Historical Marker

The Hebron CCC And POW Camps

Historical marker location:
Riverside Park, Hebron, Nebraska
( Marker is on Holdredge Avenue west of South Avenue, on the left when traveling west.)

  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.

Nebraska has a rich history of Native American cultures, with several tribes including the Pawnee, Omaha, and Ponca calling the state home.
Nebraska random facts
Thayer County, located in south-central Nebraska, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Pawnee and Otoe-Missouria tribes. European settlers began to arrive in the area in the 1860s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

In 1867, Thayer County was established and named in honor of Civil War officer John Milton Thayer. The county quickly saw an influx of settlers, primarily of German, Czech, and Scandinavian descent, who brought with them their unique cultures and traditions. Agriculture played a central role in the county's development, with the fertile plains supporting the growth of crops and the establishment of farms.

Throughout its history, Thayer County has experienced both prosperity and challenges. The construction of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in the late 19th century brought economic growth and improved transportation to the area. However, the Great Depression in the 1930s hit the county hard, resulting in widespread unemployment and economic hardship for many residents.

In recent decades, Thayer County has focused on preserving its agricultural heritage and promoting tourism. The county is home to several historical sites and museums that highlight its pioneer past, such as the Thayer County Museum and the Hebron Historic Buildings District. The county also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Thayer County Fair and Germanfest, which celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of the area. Today, Thayer County continues to be a vibrant community that embraces its past while looking towards the future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Thayer County, Nebraska.

  • 1856: Thayer County was established, named after the Nebraska Territory's Governor John Milton Thayer.
  • 1859: The first settlement was established in the county by William Dwight Brown and his family.
  • 1867: The town of Hebron was established as the county seat.
  • 1870: Thayer County's population reached 4,644.
  • 1872: The first courthouse, a 2-story wooden building, was built in Hebron.
  • 1878: The town of Hubbell was founded.
  • 1880: The county population increased to 8,310.
  • 1909: The current Thayer County Courthouse, a three-story brick structure, was built in Hebron.
  • 1920: The county's population peaked at 11,768.
  • 1934: The Civilian Conservation Corps established Camp Deshler in Thayer County as part of the New Deal program.
  • 1940: The county population declined to 9,766.
  • 1960: The county population further declined to 7,714.
  • 1973: A railroad line running through the county ceased operations.
  • 1980: The county population decreased to 6,688.
  • 1990: The county's population reached a low of 5,893.
  • 2004: Bruning State Bank, the county's oldest financial institution, celebrated its 125th anniversary.