Near Watford City in McKenzie County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The View that Launched a Park
Rebuilding a Nation - Building a Park
In 1937, with the ultimate designation of the land still undecided and the scenic road not yet completed, construction began on the overlook shelter. The building was designed to blend with the landscape so the scenery would always be the focal point of this fantastic view.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a 1930s and 40s public works relief program. The CCC was intended to was the impact of the Great Depression by putting young men to work conserving the nations natural resources.
Spread across every state in the county, more than 3 million CCC enrollees went to work. They planted trees, developed lands for recreation, built flood barriers, fought fires, and more. Their legacy lives on today in our nation's parks and public lands.
Two CCC camps were established to develop the park's North Unit (1934-1937) and two camps operated in the South Unit (1934-1937 and 1939-1941). The River Bend Overlook is one of several CCC-built structures still in use within the park.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 47° 36.564′ N, 103° 22.669′ W. Marker is near Watford City, North Dakota, in McKenzie County. Marker is on Cedar Canyon Road, aka Scenic Drive near Theodore Roosevelt Expressway (U.S. 85), on the left when traveling west. This maker is located in Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Watford City ND 58854, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Building From Hard Times (a few steps from this marker); Bentonitic Clay (approx. one mile away); North Dakota Badlands (approx. 1˝ miles away); Man and Grass (approx. 1˝ miles away); Long X Cattle Trail (approx. 1.6 miles away); “Cannon Ball” Concretions (approx. 2.3 miles away); Edge of a Glacier (approx. 2.6 miles away); Roosevelt and the Boat Thieves (approx. 3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Watford City.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 147 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 10, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.