CCC Company 3767 Powder Magazine Historic District
a.k.a. GA0148; GA0149
K59P Rd. N of Forest Service Rd. 11 (Gladstone Rd.), Jessieville, AR Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
- March 31, 1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Emergency Conservation Work (ECW) Act into law, establishing the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of his New Deal program.
- April 5, 1933: The CCC is officially launched, providing employment opportunities for unemployed young men between the ages of 18 and 25.
- 1933-1942: The CCC enrolls over 2.5 million young men from economically disadvantaged families, providing them with jobs, vocational training, and relief during the Great Depression.
Camp Life: CCC enrollees live in camps located in rural areas and work on various conservation projects across the United States. They receive food, shelter, clothing, and a small wage, with a portion of their earnings sent back home to support their families.
Conservation Projects: The CCC undertakes a wide range of conservation projects, including reforestation, erosion control, trail construction, forest fire prevention, wildlife conservation, historic site restoration, and the development of public parks.
Collaboration with Other Agencies: The CCC works in collaboration with various federal agencies, including the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Soil Conservation Service, to implement conservation programs and projects.
Educational and Vocational Training: In addition to their work, CCC enrollees receive educational and vocational training, such as literacy classes, courses in conservation and forestry, and technical skills development.
Military Training: During World War II, the CCC shifts its focus to providing military training for its enrollees, preparing them for military service.
- July 1, 1942: As the United States transitions into wartime efforts and the economy improves, the CCC gradually loses its significance. The program officially ends with the termination of new enrollments.
The Civilian Conservation Corps played a significant role during the Great Depression, providing employment, relief, and skills training to young men while accomplishing vital conservation work across the country. The program's legacy can still be seen today in the numerous parks, forests, and other public lands that were developed or improved through the efforts of CCC enrollees.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Ozark National Forest covers more than 1 million acres in northern Arkansas and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The forest contains numerous hiking trails, camping areas, and scenic drives.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area. One of the most significant events in Garland County's history was the establishment of Hot Springs as a health and leisure destination. The discovery of thermal springs with healing properties attracted visitors from all over the country, leading to the development of the city and the construction of bathhouses, hotels, and other amenities.
During the Civil War, Garland County experienced its fair share of conflict. Although predominantly pro-Union, many residents were divided in their loyalties. The Battle of Hot Springs, which took place in 1862, saw Union forces successfully repel a Confederate attack and maintain control of the area.
In the years following the war, Garland County continued to grow and evolve. The city of Hot Springs became known for its entertainment and gambling industry, attracting famous figures such as Al Capone and Babe Ruth. Today, the county remains a popular tourist destination, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its historical sites, enjoy natural beauty, and indulge in the healing waters of Hot Springs National Park.
Garland County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Garland County, Arkansas.
- 1800 - Native American tribes, such as the Quapaw, inhabit the land that will become Garland County.
- 1807 - The United States acquires the land from the Louisiana Purchase.
- 1832 - The Quapaw Tribe signs a treaty with the US government, ceding their land to the government to make way for European American settlement.
- 1832 - Garland County is established and named after Augustus H. Garland, who served as the attorney general under President Grover Cleveland.
- 1836 - The first permanent settlers arrive in Garland County, primarily from the southern states.
- 1836 - The county's first post office is established in Hot Springs, the county seat.
- 1875 - The Hot Springs National Park is established, becoming the first national reserve in the US.
- 1892 - The first electric streetcar system is installed in Hot Springs, connecting the city's different areas.
- 1913 - The Fordyce Bathhouse opens, becoming one of the most luxurious bathhouses in Hot Springs.
- 1920s - Hot Springs becomes a popular destination for organized crime figures, who open illegal gambling establishments and casinos.
- 1940s - 1950s - The decline of illegal gambling leads to the growth of the tourism industry in Hot Springs, focusing on family-friendly attractions and natural thermal springs.
- 1983 - The Central Avenue Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing the city's historic architecture.
- 2010 - The population of Garland County reaches over 96,000 people, marking significant growth over the years.