Tribute to the 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.
North Dakota was once home to a massive inland sea, known as the Western Interior Seaway, which covered much of the state during the Late Cretaceous period around 80 million years ago. Fossils from marine creatures that lived in this sea can still be found in the state today.
In the 1870s, the Northern Pacific Railroad arrived, bringing significant changes to the region. The town of Medora was established in 1883 and quickly grew, becoming the county seat of Billings County. Named after the wife of a prominent railroad executive, Medora became a booming cattle town and served as a gateway to the Badlands.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the agriculture industry flourished in Billings County. Farmers settled in the area, cultivating wheat, oats, and barley. Towns, schools, and churches were established to support the growing population.
In the early 20th century, the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park significantly impacted Billings County. This national park was created to preserve the rugged beauty of the Badlands and honor President Theodore Roosevelt, who had cherished his time in the region as a cattle rancher. Today, the park is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors to experience the unique landscapes and wildlife of the area.
While the county's population has remained small over the years, Billings County continues to thrive as a scenic and historically significant area. The influence of Native American cultures, the arrival of the railroad, the growth of agriculture, and the establishment of Theodore Roosevelt National Park have all played major roles in shaping the county's fascinating history.
Billings County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Billings County, North Dakota.
- The area now known as Billings County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara.
- In 1803, the land became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase.
- Exploration of the region began in the early 19th century by fur trappers and traders.
- In 1877, Billings County was officially established by the Dakota Territory legislature and named after former North Carolina governor Frederick H. Billings.
- In the late 19th century, ranching became the dominant industry in the area, with large cattle herds and open range grazing.
- The construction of the Northern Pacific Railway through Billings County in the 1880s brought increased settlement and economic growth.
- The town of Medora was founded in 1883 as a railroad town and became the county seat of Billings County.
- The region experienced a boom in coal mining during the early 20th century, with several mines opening and providing employment opportunities.
- In 1936, the Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established in Billings County, preserving the natural beauty of the Badlands and honoring the former president's conservation legacy.
- During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) undertook numerous projects in Billings County to combat unemployment and improve infrastructure.
- Billings County remains a sparsely populated area with a strong connection to its pioneer heritage and beautiful natural landscapes.