Property for Mt. Airy Forest was first acquired in 1911, and its period of significance extends from 1911 to 1959. It was one of the nation's first city reforestation projects, significant for its architecture, rustic design, landscape architecture, and the craftsmanship of its buildings. It was developed during the Depression under federal works programs and was noted for employing Civilian Conservation Corps African-American laborers who were stationed in the park. It is also associated with early twentieth-century designer George Kessler and State Forester Edmund Secrest.