Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps

Historical marker location:
Brevard, North Carolina
( Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 276 and Government Road (Road 475) on U.S. 276.)
Marker installed: 1986

  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 town of Saluda, North Carolina, is home to the steepest standard-gauge mainline railway grade in the United States, with a gradient of 4.7%.
North Carolina random facts
Transylvania County, located in the western part of North Carolina, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, who used the land for hunting and trading. However, European settlement began in the mid-18th century when settlers from Scotland and Ireland arrived in the region.

In the early 19th century, Transylvania County experienced significant growth thanks to the logging industry. Dense forests and a network of rivers made it an ideal location for timber extraction. Large sawmills were established, attracting workers and boosting the local economy. This period of economic prosperity lasted until the early 20th century when the logging industry declined due to depleted resources.

The natural beauty of Transylvania County, particularly its numerous waterfalls and mountains, also attracted outdoor enthusiasts and tourists. As a result, recreational tourism became an important part of the local economy. The establishment of Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Recreational Forest added to the region's appeal, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over.

Today, Transylvania County continues to be known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and exploring the many stunning waterfalls. The county is also home to Brevard College and serves as a gateway to the popular tourist destination, the Blue Ridge Parkway. With a rich history and natural splendor, Transylvania County remains a haven for those seeking outdoor adventure and scenic beauty.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Transylvania County, North Carolina.

  • 1787 - Transylvania County is established as part of the state of North Carolina.
  • 1861-1865 - The American Civil War takes place, affecting the county's population and economy.
  • 1868 - The town of Brevard is incorporated as the county seat of Transylvania County.
  • 1895 - The first railroad line is established in Transylvania County, providing improved transportation for goods and people.
  • 1940s-1950s - Transylvania County experiences a decline in its population due to outmigration and economic changes.
  • 1971 - The Pisgah National Forest is expanded, increasing tourism and outdoor recreational opportunities in the county.
  • 1994 - The DuPont Corporation donates 10,400 acres of land to the state, leading to the establishment of DuPont State Recreational Forest.
  • 2000s - Transylvania County sees a growth in population and a diversification of its economy, with an emphasis on tourism, healthcare, and education.