Civilian Conservation Corps
Historical marker location:Ravenna, Nebraska
- 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.
Omaha is home to the world's largest indoor desert, located at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century, with French trappers and traders venturing into the region. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that Buffalo County saw significant settlement. The passage of the Homestead Act in 1862, which allowed settlers to claim up to 160 acres of land, led to a wave of migration into the area. Many immigrants from Europe, primarily German and Scandinavian immigrants, flocked to Buffalo County in search of a better life.
The construction of the Union Pacific Railroad in the 1860s greatly influenced Buffalo County's growth. The railroad provided a direct link to larger cities and markets, making the transportation of goods and people much easier. This led to the development of small towns along the railroad lines, such as Kearney, the county seat of Buffalo County. Kearney quickly became a hub for trade and commerce, attracting businesses and industries to the area.
Throughout its history, agriculture has been the backbone of Buffalo County's economy. The fertile soils, combined with the region's ample water supply from the Platte River, have made it ideal for farming. In the early years, settlers primarily engaged in subsistence farming, growing crops for their own consumption. However, as technology advanced and transportation improved, Buffalo County became known for its production of corn, soybeans, and beef cattle.
Today, Buffalo County continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community. It boasts a strong agricultural sector, a thriving retail and manufacturing industry, and a variety of educational and cultural institutions. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through the numerous museums and historical sites that showcase its past. Buffalo County remains a testament to the hard work and perseverance of its early settlers, who transformed a vast prairie into a prosperous and thriving community.
Buffalo County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Buffalo County, Nebraska.
- 1830s - Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Omaha, inhabit the land that is now Buffalo County.
- 1846 - The area becomes part of the Nebraska Territory after the United States acquires the land through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
- 1860 - Buffalo County is established and named after the herds of buffalo that roamed the region in the past.
- 1871 - The city of Kearney is founded as the county seat.
- 1873 - The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad is constructed, which helps spur growth and economic development in Buffalo County.
- 1882 - The University of Nebraska at Kearney is established, becoming an important educational institution in the region.
- 1888 - Buffalo County Agricultural Society is formed to promote agricultural practices and hold annual county fairs.
- 1915 - Fort Kearny State Historical Park is established to preserve the history of the nearby fort and provide recreational opportunities.
- 1930s - Buffalo County experiences the effects of the Great Depression, leading to economic challenges and government intervention.
- 1942-1945 - The Kearney Army Airfield is constructed and serves as a training base for thousands of World War II pilots.
- 1976 - The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is built near Kearney, commemorating the area's role in westward expansion.
- 1997 - The Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center opens, honoring the dedication and bravery of firefighters.
- 2019 - Buffalo County celebrates its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since its establishment.