Civilian Conservation Corps
Historical marker location:- 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.
In 1803, Louisiana was sold by France to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. The purchase doubled the size of the United States at the time.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, primarily of French and Spanish descent. The land was purchased from the Choctaw tribe in the 1805 Treaty of Fort Adams, which opened up the region for settlement. The parish itself was established in 1871 and named after Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington.
Vernon Parish played a significant role during the Civil War as a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces. The Battle of Pleasant Hill, one of the largest battles fought in Louisiana, took place in 1864, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape and local communities.
Over the years, the economy of Vernon Parish has evolved. Timber became a prominent industry, with numerous sawmills operating in the area. The establishment of the Fort Polk military base in 1941 brought economic growth to the region and transformed Vernon Parish into a bustling community.
Today, Vernon Parish is a vibrant and diverse area that celebrates its history while looking towards the future. The parish boasts a strong sense of community and offers various recreational opportunities, such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the Kisatchie National Forest. With a rich historical background and thriving present, Vernon Parish continues to be a place of significance in Louisiana.
Vernon Parish Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Vernon Parish, Louisiana.
- Prehistoric times - Native American tribes, including the Attakapas, Coahuiltecans, and Caddo, inhabit the area that will later become Vernon Parish
- 1804 - The United States acquires the territory of Louisiana through the Louisiana Purchase
- 1818 - Santa Ana, later the president of Mexico, is captured in Vernon Parish during the Sabine Expedition
- 1843 - The region becomes part of the newly established Calcasieu Parish
- 1871 - Vernon Parish is created from portions of Calcasieu, Rapides, and Sabine Parishes
- 1902 - Leesville becomes the parish seat of Vernon Parish
- 1908 - Construction of the Kansas City Southern Railway through Vernon Parish boosts trade and population growth
- 1939-1945 - Fort Polk is established as a training camp during World War II, bringing economic development and population growth to the area
- 1962 - The United States Army declares Fort Polk as a permanent military installation
- 1993 - The JRTC (Joint Readiness Training Center) is established at Fort Polk, further solidifying its military importance