Near Van Buren in Carter County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
There Was Work To Be Done
CCC at Big Spring
Provide Recreational Facilities
Fight Forest Fires
Protect Big Spring
Forestry
Forest preservation was a high priority. Co. 1710 cleared roadsides, removed downed trees and cut brush for fire prevention. They also fought periodic forest fires. Camp 734 built a fire tower in the southwestern corner of the park during their few months at Big Spring (Nov. 1933 - Apr. 1934) to aid in forest protection.
Lodge and Cabins
Work at Big Spring State Park included buildings for park visitors. Between 1934 and 1936, the CCC built, renovated and/or relocated 20 structures. A style combining
native stone and hand hewn timbers in a "rustic" design to blend in with the surroundings was used in the dining lodge, 3 cabins, and entrance station, restrooms, picnic shelters, concession stand and a museum.
Dikes
Company 1710 immediately started work on dikes to protect the Big Spring from Current River flood waters. Working primarily by hand and aided by an old steam pile driver, they constructed 5 dikes with oak pilings and over 6000 truck loads of rocks to keep the river in its channel.
Trails
The C's cleared and graveled 5 hiking and horseback trails, providing access to scenic sections of the park behind the spring and along the river toward Chubb Hollow.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1710.
Location. 36° 56.881′ N, 90° 59.6′ W. Marker is near Van Buren, Missouri, in Carter County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway Z and Pea Vine Road (State Highway 103), on the right when traveling north on State Highway Z. Located in the Big Springs unit of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, in front of the park information center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Van Buren MO 63965, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Camp Hains - 1710 (a few steps from this marker); CCC - A Peace-Time Army (a few steps from this marker); Building Human Happiness (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Big Spring: A Karst Topography (approx. 0.3 miles away); Big Spring (approx. 0.3 miles away); Van Buren (approx. 3½ miles away); Carter County Veterans Memorial (approx. 3½ miles away).
Additional keywords. New Deal
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 731 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 26, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on October 7, 2010, by Lena Sue Woods of Fisk, Missouri.