Historical Marker

Unexpected Benefits in the CCC

Historical marker location:
9500 Macarthur Blvd, Carderock, Maryland
( Marker can be reached from Carderock, 0.3 miles south of Clara Barton Parkway, on the left when traveling west.)

Chesapeake & Ohio National Historical Park

  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.

Maryland was once the site of a major Civil Rights protest: In 1963, civil rights activists organized the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which drew more than 250,000 people to the National Mall in Washington D.C. Many of the participants in the march were from Maryland, and the state played a crucial role in the civil rights movement.
Maryland random facts
Montgomery County, Maryland has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Piscataway and the Seneca. The first European explorers arrived in the 17th century, with English settlers establishing tobacco plantations along the Potomac River. The county was officially formed in 1776, named after General Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War hero.

During the 19th century, Montgomery County remained predominantly agricultural, with farms and small villages dotting the landscape. The construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in the 1820s brought economic growth and trade to the county's towns located along the canal route. In 1852, the arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad further stimulated development, connecting the county to other parts of Maryland and neighboring states.

In the 20th century, Montgomery County experienced significant suburbanization as Washington, D.C. expanded. The county became an attractive residential area for people working in the nation's capital. The completion of the Capital Beltway in the 1960s facilitated commuting and led to further growth and development. Montgomery County became known for its excellent schools, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving economy, attracting people from various backgrounds and cultures.

Today, Montgomery County is one of the most populous and affluent counties in Maryland. It is home to a vibrant and diverse community, with a strong economy driven by industries such as biotechnology, healthcare, government agencies, and education. The county offers a wide range of recreational amenities, from parks and hiking trails to cultural institutions and shopping centers.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Montgomery County, Maryland.

  • 1694 - Montgomery County established as part of Maryland colony
  • 1700s - Early settlements and growth in agriculture
  • 1776 - Montgomery County residents support American Revolution
  • 1801 - Capital of the United States moves to Washington, D.C., just south of Montgomery County
  • 1850s - Construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal brings economic development
  • 1861-1865 - Montgomery County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1873 - Great Montgomery County Fair established
  • 1878 - Founding of the Maryland Agricultural College (now University of Maryland)
  • 1890s - Introduction of electric streetcars
  • 1950s - Suburbanization and rapid population growth
  • 1970s - Construction of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Red Line
  • 1980s - Establishment of technology and biotechnology industries in the county
  • 2000s - Growth of diverse communities and emphasis on environmental sustainability