Iron Springs Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Iron Springs Shelter No. 1
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 Location in Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Jessieville, Arkansas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1933 |
| Built by | Civilian Conservation Corps |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| MPS | Facilities Constructed by the CCC in Arkansas MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 93001091 |
| Added to NRHP | October 20, 1993 |
The Iron Springs Recreation Area is a cool spot for a picnic! It's located right next to Arkansas Highway 7, a bit north of Jessieville, inside the beautiful Ouachita National Forest. This area has three picnic shelters, restrooms, and an easy trail to see the natural springs. Many of these buildings were made a long time ago, in the 1930s, by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Two of the shelters and a nearby dam are so special they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
What is Iron Springs?
The Iron Springs picnic area is on the west side of Arkansas Highway 7. It's about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) north of Jessieville. The area sits between the road and the Middle Fork Saline River.
The CCC Dam
The river here has a low stone dam. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built this dam in 1933. It has cool parts that look like steps and slides. The dam holds back enough water to create a small swimming hole.
Picnic Shelters
The picnic area has three covered shelters. Two of these were also built by the CCC in 1933. They are great places to eat and relax.
Shelter One
The first shelter is about 24 feet (7.3 meters) long and 14 feet (4.3 meters) wide. It's made from logs and has an open design. The roof is shaped like a triangle. The sides facing north and south have log railings. The other two sides are open. A picnic table sits inside for visitors to use.
Shelter Two
The second shelter is more square-shaped. It has a roof that looks like a pyramid. This shelter also has log railings on its north and south sides. Both shelters show the special "Rustic" style of architecture. This style uses natural materials like logs and stone.
Who were the Civilian Conservation Corps?
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a program in the United States. It started in 1933 during a tough time called the Great Depression. Young men who needed jobs joined the CCC. They worked on projects to help nature and build parks. They planted trees, built roads, and created many public facilities. The CCC helped many families and improved national parks.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is an official list. It includes places in the United States that are important to history. When a place is on this list, it means it's special. It helps protect these places for future generations. The dam and two shelters at Iron Springs are on this important list.
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CCC dam at Iron Springs, 2014
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Trail up the mountain, 2014
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Picnic area, 2014
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Iron Springs Shelter No. 1, 2016
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Iron Springs Shelter No. 2, 2016
