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Recreation Residences have existed since before the turn of the century, when national forests were reserves and were administered by the General Land Office in the U.S. Department of the Interior.  The first lots were authorized by the Forest Management Act of June 4, 1897, also known as the "Organic Act" to encourage public recreation.  In the early years, thousands of permits were issued on national forests.  The program continued to grow until permits numbered around 20,000 at mid-century.

 

The earliest cabins in the Holy Ghost Canyon tract date from 1917, and a cabin owners' organization has existed in one form or another since the 1930s.

 

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Holy Ghost Canyon, please contact Karen Norton.