Jasonville Sites

Shakamak is an attractive site today, but in 1930 when it opened as a state park, much of the parcel was a wasteland of abandoned strip mines. Shakamak State Park entered a new phase of development during the Great Depression. In the winter of 1933-34, the Civil Works Administration (CWA) employed hundreds of local men to build trails, shelters, and a new lake. The dam was completed by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) which also constructed fish ponds and pens for exotic animals. In 1937, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) finished the projects. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed...

The west shelter was completed by CCC laborers in 1935. The style of the shelter is classified as parks rustic.

The CCC workers completed an outdoor amphitheater using natural terrain. The amphitheater was completed in 1934.

The bath house, or beach pavilion, was a cooperative effort between CCC and WPA workers. The structure was left unfinished at the start of World War II. Park employees were able to complete the pavilion in 1942.

The beach shelter was completed in 1935 by CCC laborers. The style of the shelter is classified as parks rustic.

An abandoned coal mine drift was used as a "coal exhibit" from 1935 through the 1940s. The park discontinued the exhibit but the remains of the site are still visible from trail 2.

The dams were completed by Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) in 1937.

The CCC completed nine identical family cabins between 1938 and 1939. The cabins are typical of CCC construction, and represent the movement in recreational developed in the 1930s toward promoting group and family camping.

Using a variety of native materials, the CCC built gatehouses designed to appeal to the eye and draw in visitors with hints of the delights of nature within the park. The Shakamak gatehouse was completed by CCC laborers in 1936. The style of the gatehouse is classified as parks rustic.

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) started construction on a new lake. Lake Jason, now known as Lake Lenope, was completed by Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1937.

The maintenance shed was constructed by CCC laborers in 1938. The CCC used the maintenance shed for storage and truck maintenance.

The oven shelter was completed by CCC workers in 1935. It is a good representation of the CCC development of Indiana state parks. The style of the shelter is classified as parks rustic.

In 1940 CCC laborers completed the Shakamak saddle barn. The style of the barn is classified as parks rustic.

The service building was completed by CCC workers in 1941.