Damascus CCC Camp, Co. No. 3781 Historic District
Camp Hill Rd., Damascus, AR Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
- 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 Little Rock Nine were a group of African American students who were the first to integrate Little Rock Central High School in 1957, during the Civil Rights Movement. The event gained national attention and was a pivotal moment in the fight for racial equality.
In 1833, the county was officially established and named after then-Vice President Martin Van Buren. During the mid-1800s, Van Buren County experienced significant growth due to the construction of the Butterfield Overland Mail Route, which passed through the region, providing a vital transportation link for the area. This led to the development of several towns and communities, including Clinton, the county seat.
The Civil War brought turmoil to Van Buren County, as it did to many parts of the country. The county experienced both Union and Confederate forces occupying the area at various times during the conflict. The Battle of Cadron, fought in 1864, took place in Van Buren County and resulted in a Union victory over Confederate troops. After the war, the county slowly recovered and continued to develop its agricultural and timber industries.
In the 20th century, Van Buren County saw advancements in infrastructure, education, and technology. The creation of Greers Ferry Lake in the 1960s brought a new era of tourism and recreation to the area, attracting visitors from across the region. Today, Van Buren County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant community. The county's rich history is preserved and celebrated through various historic sites and events, providing a glimpse into its past for both residents and visitors alike.
Van Buren County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Van Buren County, Arkansas.
- 1833: Van Buren County is established as a county in Arkansas
- 1838: The Indian Removal Act leads to the forced removal of Native American tribes from the area
- 1850s: The county experiences significant population growth with the arrival of settlers
- 1861-1865: Van Buren County residents participate in the American Civil War
- 1873: The county courthouse is destroyed by fire
- 1874: A new courthouse is built to replace the one destroyed
- 1909: The railroad reaches Van Buren County, boosting its economy
- 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardships to the county
- 1940s: World War II prompts changes in the local economy as residents contribute to the war effort
- 1960s: The construction of Greers Ferry Dam provides recreational opportunities for residents and tourists
- 1990s: Van Buren County experiences population growth due to increased development
- 2008: The county is struck by severe weather, including tornadoes
- 2010s: Efforts are made to preserve historic sites and promote tourism in the county