Historical Marker

Wildrose CCC Camp

Historical marker location:
Panamint Springs, California
( Marker is on Charcoal Kiln Road, 0.4 miles east of Emigrant Canyon Road, on the right when traveling east.)

Home, Far Away From Home

  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.

During World War II, California was home to several important military installations, including Naval Station Pearl Harbor and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The state's aircraft manufacturing industry also played a crucial role in the war effort.
California random facts
Inyo County is located in eastern California and has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally home to various Native American groups, including the Paiute, Shoshone, and Mono tribes, who lived off the land and utilized the region's abundant natural resources.

The first European exploration of the area occurred in the 1820s, with trappers and fur traders venturing into the region. In 1861, Inyo County was officially established as a separate entity from Mono County, as settlers began to arrive in search of gold and silver. The county's name, "Inyo," is believed to have originated from a Native American word meaning "dwelling place of a great spirit."

The discovery of silver in the Cerro Gordo Mines in the late 1800s brought a boom to Inyo County, attracting miners and entrepreneurs from all over. However, like many mining towns, the boom eventually faded, and the county experienced a decline in population and economic activity.

In the early 20th century, tourism began to take hold in Inyo County with the establishment of national parks and monuments. In 1924, Death Valley National Monument was created, becoming part of what is now known as Death Valley National Park. Other natural attractions, such as the Alabama Hills and Manzanar National Historic Site, also draw visitors to the county.

Today, Inyo County is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and recreational opportunities. The area attracts outdoor enthusiasts, historians, and nature lovers who come to explore its diverse landscapes and learn about the region's past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Inyo County, California.

  • Inyo County was established on March 22, 1866.
  • The First transcontinental railroad reached the county in 1883.
  • The Death Valley National Monument was established in 1933.
  • During World War II, Manzanar War Relocation Center was established in 1942.
  • Inyo County became a staging area for the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1905.
  • Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, was added to the county in 1913.
  • The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to some of the oldest living trees, was designated as a protected area in 1964.
  • Inyo County celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2016, marking 150 years since its establishment.
  • The County's diverse natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities continue to attract visitors and residents.