CCC Park Development (South): Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Regions 3, 4, & 5 Park Cultural Landscapes Program

Inventory Unit Description: The South Unit is one of three units in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Located in Billings County, the South Unit occupies 46,159 acres. The cultural landscape is a collection of features that remain from the depression era park development. Construction of a scenic road, providing vehicular access from the principal east-west thoroughfare (Highway 10) to both the primary accessible points of scenic and historic interest and to an existing central administrative facility, was the Master Plan theme that defined depression-era development within the South Unit. The road’s location determined the placement of all other historic visitor services within the South Unit and provided controlled access to a series of views and vistas, thereby largely defining visitors’ experience. The CCC built the scenic road from Highway 10 and the Old East Entrance which includes features like culverts and entrance signs. The CCC developments in the South Unit are mentioned in the 2012 Nomination for the Maltese Cabin and Elkhorn Ranch and the National Register 2010 Multiple Property Documentation Form. The resources were also included in a National Register of Historic Places draft nomination as the South Unit Scenic Drive Historic District. The structures have a local level of significance and are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under criteria A and C for their association with National Park Service development of the South Unit. Under auspices of the National Park Service and as funded under the National Industrial Recovery Act, CCC crews implemented planning process and design ethic developed at the national level and based on significant trends in recreation development and social engineering (areas of significance: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Recreation; Conservation; Politics/Government). The period of significance extends from initial design discussions in 1934 until the 1941 completion of National Park Service development efforts within the South Unit. Overall, the CCC developments in the South Unit retain integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The buildings and structures in the South Unit generally retain a high degree of integrity and are integral components of the cultural landscape. Today, the South Unit’s land use is as Theodore Roosevelt National Park operated by the National Park Service. The unit continues to serve as an outdoor recreational destination.

CCC Park Development (South): Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Theodore Roosevelt National Park

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