Lake Catherine State Park Prisoner of War Structures facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lake Catherine State Park Prisoner of War Structures
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 Location in Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | Campground, Lake Catherine State Park, Hot Spring County, Arkansas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1942 |
| Built by | Civilian Conservation Corps; German POWs |
| Architectural style | Rustic Resort |
| MPS | Facilities Constructed by the CCC in Arkansas MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 10000553 |
| Added to NRHP | January 24, 2017 |
The Lake Catherine State Park Prisoner of War Structures are two special stone buildings found in the campground area of Lake Catherine State Park in Hot Spring County, Arkansas. These structures have a unique history. They were started by one group of workers and finished by another, making them quite rare in the state.
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Cool Structures at Lake Catherine State Park
There are two main structures to see. One is a long stone wall. It is about 210 feet (64 meters) long and 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall. This wall is made from local stones set on a concrete base. It has a cool zig-zag shape. You can find it just south of the main building near the water. The wall faces mostly towards the water.
The second structure is an outdoor cooking area, also known as a barbecue pit. It is also built from stone. This cooking area is located a short distance west of the stone wall. Both of these structures are great examples of rustic design.
Who Built These Structures?
Work on these structures began in 1942. The first builders were crews from the Civilian Conservation Corps. This group, often called the CCC, was a program during the Great Depression. It helped young men find jobs building parks and other public works.
However, their work was stopped because of World War II. After the war began, the CCC program ended. This left the structures unfinished for a while.
German Prisoners of War Helped
Later, the structures were completed by a different group of workers. These were German prisoners of war (POWs). They were held in a camp nearby. These POWs helped finish many projects during the war. It's very unusual to find structures in Arkansas built by both the CCC and German POWs. This makes them very special and important to history.
Why Are They Important?
These structures are important because they show a unique part of history. They tell a story about two different groups of people. One group was American citizens working during a tough economic time. The other group was German soldiers held as prisoners during a major war. Both groups contributed to building parts of this state park.
Their unique building history makes them stand out. They are believed to be the only structures in Arkansas built this way.
Recognized for Their History
Because of their special history, these structures are officially recognized. They were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. This means they are considered important historical sites. They are protected so future generations can learn from them.
