Rabideau CCC Camp facts for kids
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Rabideau Civilian Conservation Corps Camp
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Rabideau CCC Camp
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| Location | Off Co. Hwy. 39 in Chippewa National Forest, Taylor Township |
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| Nearest city | Blackduck, Minnesota |
| Area | 18.8 acres (7.6 ha) |
| Built | 1935–1941 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001046 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 16, 1976 |
| Designated NHLD | February 17, 2006 |
The Rabideau CCC Camp was a special place where young men worked during a tough time in American history. It was part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a program that helped people find jobs and improve our country's natural spaces. Located in the beautiful Chippewa National Forest in northern Minnesota, this camp is one of the best-preserved CCC camps in the entire United States. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and now serves as a learning center for young people.
The Camp's Story
The Rabideau CCC Camp opened in 1935. It was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal" plan. This plan created programs to help the country recover from the Great Depression. The Great Depression was a time when many people lost their jobs and money.
This camp was one of about 2,650 CCC camps across the nation. About 300 young men, aged 17 to 21, lived and worked here. Most of these young men came from northern Minnesota. They worked on important projects in the Chippewa National Forest. Their jobs included building roads and other facilities. They also helped with surveying, protecting wildlife, and other forestry tasks.
Most CCC camps were built to be temporary. When the United States entered World War II, most camps closed. Many of these old camps were then left to fall apart. The Rabideau camp was lucky because it survived. The University of Illinois used its buildings. They used them for their engineering and forestry schools from 1946 to 1972.
Even with this use, the buildings were getting old. They were mostly made from pre-built parts and had weak foundations. In 1991, a group called the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota got involved. Rolf Anderson, who worked with the group, visited the camp. He saw how important and rare the camp was. He said it was a "remarkable survivor" from the New Deal era. He believed it had national importance. The CCC was one of the greatest conservation programs ever. It left a lasting impact that we still benefit from today.
Most CCC camps were torn down or burned. This camp is very rare because it still stands. It tells an important story about American history. Today, 13 of the original 25 buildings are still there. These include the mess hall, five barracks (where the men slept), officers' quarters, the recreation hall, the hospital, the laundry, and the education building.
Protecting a Special Place
In 1999, the United States Forest Service started working to fix up the Education Building. This project took three years. Workers put a new foundation under the building. They also replaced the roof and fixed some floors and siding. Over the next two years, 26 volunteers helped with repairs inside the building. They spent nearly 1,000 hours working on it.
The Rabideau CCC Camp was named a National Historic Landmark on February 17, 2006. This means it is a very important historical site. It is one of the best examples of a CCC camp that focused on managing forests and protecting nature.
A New Purpose
The camp has a new and exciting purpose now. It is called the Rabideau Conservation Academy and Learning Center. It is a learning center that is open all year. Children and young adults from Cass County and Beltrami County can come here to learn.
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe helped make this project happen. The goal is to give young people chances to learn new things. It also helps them build confidence and find paths to jobs or higher education.
