Isabella Ranger Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Isabella Ranger Station
|
|
Isabella Ranger Station circa 1924
|
|
 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Isabella, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Area | 21.3 acres (8.6 ha) |
| Built by | Civilian Conservation Corps |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman, Rustic architecture |
| NRHP reference No. | 05001611 |
| Added to NRHP | February 1, 2006 |
The Isabella Ranger Station is a group of 21 buildings located in Stony River Township, Minnesota, near the town of Isabella. It sits on Minnesota State Highway 1. This special place is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it shows how important federal programs like the New Deal helped build America during tough times.
Contents
Isabella Ranger Station: A Historic Forest Hub
The Isabella Ranger Station was a very important center for managing the Superior National Forest. It helped with many tasks needed to take care of the forest. The buildings themselves are also special because they show a style called rustic architecture. This style was often used for forest buildings back then.
Built by the CCC
Out of the 21 buildings at the station, 11 are considered historic. These were built in the mid-1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a program started during the Great Depression to help people find jobs. They built these structures using logs, mostly from aspen and pine trees.
The buildings included homes for workers, an office, and places to store equipment. Some other buildings were added later, but they are not part of the original historic group.
Protecting Our Forests
The history of the Superior National Forest began with an idea from General C.C. Andrews. He suggested that a large area of land in Cook County, Minnesota and Lake County, Minnesota should be protected as a forest reserve.
On February 13, 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt officially created the Superior National Forest. It started as a huge area, and later, more land was added, making it even bigger.
The CCC's Role
During the 1930s, the Great Depression caused many people to lose their jobs. To help, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was created. This program gave jobs to young men, helping them earn money and also boosting local economies.
The Isabella guard station was a key spot for CCC crews working in the Superior National Forest. This area often had no roads, so the station was vital for supporting the workers. CCC Company 701 from Ely, Minnesota and Company 3703 from Baptism River, Minnesota helped build this station.
Other Historic Stations
The Isabella Ranger Station is one of several guard stations that still exist today. Other similar stations include:
- East Bearskin Lake Guard Station, near Gunflint
- Crooked Lake Guard Station, near LaCroix
- Halfway/North Central Experiment Station
- Kekekabic Lake Guard Station
- Lac LaCroix Guard Station
- Sawbill Lake Guard Station
- South Kawishiwi River Pavilion
- Tofte Ranger Station
