Kabetogama Ranger Station District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Kabetogama Ranger Station District
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Historic buildings in the Kabetogama Ranger Station District
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Southwestern shore of Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park |
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| Area | 16.7 acres (6.8 ha) |
| Built | 1933–1941 |
| Architect | Fred P. Wolff, Civilian Conservation Corps |
| Architectural style | National Park Service rustic |
| MPS | Federal Relief Construction in Minnesota, 1933–1941 |
| NRHP reference No. | 93000479 |
| Added to NRHP | June 18, 1993 |
The Kabetogama Ranger Station District is a historic area in northern Minnesota, United States. It sits on the southwestern shore of Kabetogama Lake, which is part of Voyageurs National Park. This special place was built many years ago, between 1933 and 1941. It was created by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Today, the National Park Service (NPS) uses the Kabetogama Ranger Station. It's one of the main places where visitors can enter and learn about Voyageurs National Park.
Contents
Kabetogama Ranger Station: A Historic Place
The Kabetogama Ranger Station District is a collection of old buildings and structures. These were built to help manage the nearby forests and lakes. It started as a center for the Kabetogama State Forest. Later, it became part of the national park system.
Built by the CCC
The buildings and structures at Kabetogama were mostly built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a special program created during the Great Depression. This was a time in the 1930s when many people in the United States did not have jobs. The CCC gave young men work building parks, roads, and other important projects.
The CCC workers helped build many things across the country. Their work at Kabetogama provided jobs and created lasting structures. These structures are still used today.
What You Can See There
The Kabetogama Ranger Station District has 10 important historic parts. These include:
- Six buildings:
- A patrol cabin from 1921
- A ranger station and home from 1935
- A warehouse from 1935
- A boathouse from 1936
- An oilhouse from 1936
- A small outdoor toilet (privy) from 1937
- Three structures:
- A strong wall (retaining wall) from 1933
- A tramway (like a small railway) from around 1936
- A breakwater (to protect boats) and a boat dock from 1936
- One site:
- The circular road system, built around 1935
There is also a newer building, the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center. It was built in 1988 and is used by park visitors. However, it is not considered one of the original historic parts of the district.
Why is it Important?
In 1993, the Kabetogama Ranger Station District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. It's special for several reasons:
- Architecture: The buildings show a style called "National Park Service rustic". This style uses natural materials like wood and stone. It helps buildings blend in with the natural surroundings.
- Conservation: The site shows how people worked to protect and manage natural areas.
- Social History: It represents the important work done by the CCC during the Great Depression. This program helped many people and left behind valuable structures.
The Kabetogama Ranger Station District is a great example of how people worked together to build and protect our natural spaces. It's a reminder of a challenging time in history and the lasting efforts to preserve nature.
