Historical Marker

"CCC Boy" Statue

Historical marker location:
near Mikesville, Florida
( Marker can be reached from SE Spade Loop..)

  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.

Florida is home to the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States, St. Augustine, which was founded by the Spanish in 1565.
Florida random facts
Columbia County, Florida has a rich history dating back thousands of years to its original inhabitants, Native American tribes such as the Timucua and Seminole. European exploration and settlement began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived in Florida, including Hernando de Soto. However, it was not until the 19th century that permanent settlement began in what is now Columbia County.

The area that would become Columbia County was originally part of Alachua County until it was established as a separate county in 1832. The name "Columbia" was chosen to honor Christopher Columbus. The region quickly grew with the establishment of plantations, mainly producing cotton and tobacco. The county's economy relied heavily on slave labor during this time.

Columbia County played a significant role in the Civil War, as Florida seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America. Many local residents fought in the war, and the region experienced hardships and destruction as Union troops moved through the area. After the war, the county slowly began to rebuild its economy.

In the 20th century, Columbia County saw various changes and advancements. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s connected the county to the rest of the state, facilitating commerce and trade. Agriculture remained a significant part of the economy, while industries such as timber, phosphate mining, and tourism also emerged as important sectors. Today, Columbia County continues to grow and develop, preserving its historical roots while embracing modern progress.

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

  • 1832 - Columbia County is created as a part of the Territory of Florida
  • 1834 - The county seat is established in Alligator, which later becomes Lake City
  • 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Columbia County supports the Confederacy
  • 1874 - Lake City becomes the new county seat
  • 1879 - The first railroad reaches Lake City, boosting economic development
  • 1909 - Columbia County's first courthouse is built
  • 1942-1945 - Lake City serves as a training and refueling center for U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II
  • 1962 - The Columbia County School District is racially integrated
  • 1993 - Olustee Battlefield is designated a National Historic Site
  • 2008 - Columbia County celebrates its 175th anniversary