Historical Marker

The CCC Boys

Historical marker location:
Three Rivers, California
( Marker is on Crescent Meadow Road, 1.7 miles south of Generals Hwy, on the left when traveling south.)

  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.

The first European to set foot in California was Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer sailing for the Spanish crown. He arrived in what is now San Diego Bay in 1542 and explored the coast for several months.
California random facts
Tulare County, located in central California, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Yokuts and Tule River tribes, who relied on the fertile land and abundant water resources for their sustenance.

The first European explorers arrived in the area in the 18th century, with Spanish missionaries establishing missions in nearby regions. In 1822, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and Tulare County became part of Mexico's Alta California. The region's agricultural potential attracted American settlers, who began migrating to the area in the mid-19th century.

In 1852, Tulare County was carved out of Mariposa County, making it one of California's original 27 counties. The county experienced a boom during the California Gold Rush, as people passed through the area on their way to the goldfields. Agriculture, particularly wheat production, became the dominant industry in the late 19th century, attracting more settlers to the region.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant growth and development in Tulare County. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1872 helped facilitate transportation and trade in the area, leading to further economic expansion. With the advent of irrigation technologies and the construction of reservoirs, the county became a major producer of citrus fruits, cotton, and dairy products.

Today, Tulare County remains an important agricultural hub, known for its fertile land and diverse range of crops. The county is also home to iconic landmarks such as Sequoia National Park, which attracts visitors from around the world. While agriculture remains central to the county's economy, Tulare County has also diversified into industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism, ensuring its continued growth and prosperity.

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

  • 1852 - Tulare County is established by the California Legislature
  • 1855 - The town of Visalia is founded
  • 1861 - The county courthouse is built in Visalia
  • 1873 - The Southern Pacific Railroad reaches Tulare County
  • 1890 - The city of Tulare is incorporated
  • 1891 - The first irrigation district in the county is formed
  • 1904 - Sequoia National Park is established, encompassing a portion of Tulare County
  • 1940s - Tulare County becomes a major producer of agricultural commodities
  • 1965 - The California Health Sciences University is founded in Tulare County
  • 1995 - The Tule River Indian Reservation is established