Historical Marker

CCC Pavilion

Historical marker location:
2092 State Hwy 168 N, Walcott, Arkansas
( Marker can be reached from Arkansas Route 168, 0.6 miles north of Arkansas Route 141, on the right when traveling north.)

  A brief timeline of the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
  • 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.

Arkansas was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which was the largest land acquisition in U.S. history, and the state was later admitted to the Union as the 25th state on June 15, 1836.
Arkansas random facts
Greene County, located in the northeastern part of Arkansas, has a rich history shaped by various cultures and events. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Osage and Quapaw. European exploration began in the late 17th century when French explorers, including Henri de Tonti, passed through the region. However, it wasn't until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 that American settlers began to migrate into Greene County.

In the early 19th century, the County was primarily an agricultural region, known for its fertile land and vast timber resources. The first permanent settlement was established in 1833 and was named Crowley's Ridge after Benjamin Crowley, an early settler. The development of the railroads in the late 19th century transformed the county, allowing for the transportation of goods more efficiently. This led to an increase in commerce and the growth of towns such as Paragould, the county seat, and Marmaduke.

The county played a significant role in the Civil War, as it was located along the strategic Memphis and Little Rock Railroad. It witnessed several skirmishes and battles between Confederate and Union forces, including the Battle of Chalk Bluff in 1863. After the war, Greene County experienced a period of post-war reconstruction and recovery.

In the late 20th century, the county continued to evolve economically, with the expansion of industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. Today, Greene County is known for its agricultural production, including rice, soybeans, and cotton, as well as being home to educational institutions like Arkansas State University. The county's rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant community make it a significant part of Arkansas's heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Greene County, Arkansas.

  • 1833 - Greene County was established by the Arkansas territorial legislature.
  • 1841 - The first courthouse in Greene County was built in Gainesville.
  • 1848 - The county seat was moved from Gainesville to Paragould.
  • 1882 - The St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway reached Paragould, leading to economic growth.
  • 1901 - Crowley's Ridge State Park was established near Paragould.
  • 1930s - Agriculture became a dominant industry in Greene County.
  • 1940 - The first Rice Festival was held in Paragould, celebrating the importance of rice farming in the county.
  • 1960s - Industrial development increased, attracting new businesses to the area.
  • 1973 - The Paragould tornado, one of the most destructive tornadoes in U.S. history, struck the county.
  • 1996 - The Northeast Arkansas Intermodal Authority was established in Greene County, promoting economic development.
  • Present - Greene County continues to thrive with a diverse economy, including agriculture, industry, and tourism.