Cumberland Homesteads

Cumberland Homesteads is a planned settlement from the 1930s that covers rolling terrain with residential houses, farm structures, and communal buildings arranged in an organized layout. Each house is constructed from local sandstone and sits on substantial land parcels that reflect the original vision for agricultural living.

This community was established in 1934 as a federal initiative to provide housing and farmland for unemployed families during the economic crisis. The project emerged from Depression-era programs designed to help people rebuild their lives through agricultural settlement.

The sandstone houses reflect a design approach that connected residents to local materials and craftsmanship. You can still observe how this building choice shaped the visual identity of the entire settlement.

The site is best explored by car since houses are dispersed across large properties throughout the area. While many homes are private residences, visitors can access several pathways and view the community's overall structure from different vantage points.

An eight-story water tower stands as the structural centerpiece and originally served multiple purposes beyond water storage. It housed administrative offices and meeting spaces that brought the community together for shared activities.