Historical Marker

The CCC Worker

Historical marker location:
1001 State Street, McCall, Idaho
( Marker is at the intersection of West Lake Street (State Highway 55) and State Street, on the right when traveling south on West Lake Street.)
Marker installed: 2006

  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.

Idaho was one of the last states in the US to grant women the right to vote. Women in Idaho were granted suffrage in 1896, four years before the 19th Amendment was ratified.
Idaho random facts
Valley County is located in west-central Idaho and is known for its pristine forests, lakes, and mountains. The area has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before European settlers arrived, the land was occupied by Native American tribes, including the Nez Perce, Shoshone, and Bannock peoples, who relied on the region's natural resources for survival.

In the early 1800s, fur traders and explorers started to venture into the area, seeking new trading routes and opportunities. Notably, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through Valley County in 1805 as they made their way to the Pacific Northwest. The first recorded European settler in the area was Captain Benjamin Bonneville, an explorer and fur trader, who established a trading post near present-day Cascade in 1834.

During the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold in the Boise Basin brought an influx of settlers to Valley County. Mining towns sprung up, and the population grew rapidly, creating a bustling economy based on mining and the supply of goods and services to miners. However, the boom was relatively short-lived, and by the late 1800s, the mining industry began to decline.

With the decline of mining, Valley County's economy shifted towards agriculture and timber. Farmers settled in the area, taking advantage of the fertile soil and favorable climate for crop cultivation. The timber industry also flourished, making use of the abundant forests in the region. To support these industries and facilitate transportation, railroads were built, connecting Valley County to the rest of Idaho and beyond.

Today, Valley County is primarily known as a popular tourist destination, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, boating, and skiing. The area's rich history is still visible in the form of historic buildings, landmarks, and museums, providing a glimpse into the past.

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

  • Established: 1917
  • Incorporated: 1918
  • Early settlements: 1860s to 1870s
  • Gold discoveries in Warren Creek: 1862
  • First post office in McCall: 1892
  • Sheep industry thrives: late 1800s to early 1900s
  • McCall becomes an important timber center: early 1900s
  • Construction of Payette River Dam: 1922 to 1927
  • Growing tourism industry in McCall: mid-1900s
  • Valley County Airport opens near Cascade: 1948
  • Opening of Brundage Mountain Ski Resort: 1961
  • Creation of Payette Lake State Park: 1965
  • Payette River Scenic Byway established: 1989
  • Development of Tamarack Resort: late 1990s
  • Population growth and increased tourism: present day