Bear Brook State Park Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp Historic District
1/2 mi. from park entrance, 160 yds. S of Allenstown--Deerfield Rd., Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown, NH Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
- 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 National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
In 1803, New Hampshire resident Benjamin Dearborn built the first potato harvester, which revolutionized farming in the United States.
During the colonial era, European settlers built towns and villages along the Merrimack River, attracted by its fertile land and access to water transportation. Concord, the county seat and state capital, was founded in 1725 and became an important political and economic center in the region. It played a vital role during the American Revolution as the site of the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, which marked the beginning of the war.
In the 19th century, Merrimack County experienced significant industrialization and economic growth. The construction of canals and railroads connected the county to national markets, leading to the expansion of manufacturing industries, including textiles, paper mills, and granite quarries. The city of Franklin, known as the "Granite Capital of the World," became a major center for granite production, supplying materials for iconic structures like the Library of Congress and the Brooklyn Bridge.
In the 20th century, Merrimack County continued to develop its industrial and agricultural sectors. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the area, but it rebounded with the growth of defense-related industries during World War II. The county also saw advancements in education and culture, with the establishment of colleges, museums, and cultural organizations.
Today, Merrimack County remains an important hub of commerce, government, and culture in New Hampshire. Its historical significance, natural beauty, and vibrant communities make it a unique and desirable place to live and visit.
Merrimack County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Merrimack County, New Hampshire.
- 1765: Merrimack County is established as one of the five original counties in New Hampshire.
- 1769: The county seat is established in the town of Salisbury.
- 1772: The county seat is moved to the newly established town of Boscawen.
- 1791: The county seat is transferred to Concord.
- 1823: The county courthouse is built in Concord.
- 1841: The Merrimack County Agricultural Society is founded.
- 1846: The Merrimack County Savings Bank is established.
- 1849: The Northern Railroad is completed, running through Merrimack County.
- 1866: The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is organized in Concord.
- 1889: The state prison is relocated to Concord.
- 1893: The New Hampshire Historical Society is founded in Concord.
- 1901: The county courthouse in Concord is destroyed by fire.
- 1903: A new county courthouse is built in Concord.
- 1907: The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is formed in Concord.
- 1941: The Mount Sunapee Resort opens in Newbury.
- 1968: Merrimack Valley High School is established in Penacook.