North Carolina Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni
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.
The largest natural sound in the world, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, is located in North Carolina. It stretches over 70 miles along the state's Outer Banks.
In the late 1800s, Yancey County experienced a boom in population and economic growth with the discovery of vast mineral deposits, particularly mica, feldspar, and gemstones. This led to the establishment of numerous mining operations and the growth of small towns like Burnsville, which became the county seat. The county's mining industry thrived for several decades, providing jobs and economic stability to the area.
Yancey County's agricultural history is also notable, particularly in the production of tobacco and Christmas trees. Tobacco farming was a major source of income for many residents well into the 20th century. Additionally, the county's mountainous terrain and cool climate made it an ideal location for cultivating Christmas trees, which became an important industry in the latter half of the 20th century.
Today, Yancey County continues to draw visitors with its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county's stunning landscapes, including Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, and the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the area, attract hikers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over. While the mining industry has declined significantly, the county now thrives on a mix of agriculture, tourism, and a growing arts and crafts industry, making it a unique and vibrant community in North Carolina.
Yancey County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Yancey County, North Carolina.
- 1833 - Yancey County is formed from parts of Burke and Buncombe Counties.
- 1834 - The county's first courthouse, made of logs, is built in Burnsville.
- 1861-1865 - Many residents of Yancey County serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
- 1890 - The railroad reaches Burnsville, promoting economic growth in the county.
- 1940s - Yancey County experiences population decline due to outmigration and the decline of the agricultural economy.
- 1968 - Mount Mitchell State Park, which includes the highest peak in the Eastern United States, is established in Yancey County.
- 1980s - The county experiences a resurgence in tourism as more visitors come to explore its natural beauty.
- 1991 - The Yancey County Courthouse, a neoclassical revival-style building, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2016 - The county celebrates its 180th anniversary with various events and community activities.