Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps

Historical marker location:
Red House, New York
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of Allegany State Park Rte. 1 and King's Row.)
Marker installed: 1990

  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.

In 1901, President William McKinley was assassinated in Buffalo, New York. He was shot by an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz while attending the Pan-American Exposition.
New York random facts
Cattaraugus County, located in western New York, has a rich history dating back to its Native American roots. Prior to European settlement, the land was inhabited by the Seneca Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy. They cultivated the fertile land and established various settlements, including the village of Cattaraugus, from which the county derived its name.

European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and conflicts with the Native American tribes, particularly during the American Revolution, shaped the early history of the county. The Sullivan Expedition of 1779, led by General John Sullivan, resulted in the destruction of several Native American communities, including those in Cattaraugus County. After the Revolutionary War, the land was opened for settlement, attracting pioneers from New England and Pennsylvania.

In 1808, Cattaraugus County was officially founded and organized. The county's economy initially relied on agriculture, with numerous farms and small businesses emerging. By the mid-19th century, sawmills and tanneries became prominent industries due to the region's abundant timber resources.

The Erie Railroad's arrival in the mid-1800s brought further development, connecting the county to larger markets and stimulating economic growth. Cattaraugus County also played a role in the Underground Railroad, providing a route to freedom for enslaved individuals seeking refuge. Today, the county is known for its diverse landscape, historical landmarks, and being home to the Seneca Nation's Allegany Reservation.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cattaraugus County, New York.

  • 1808: Cattaraugus County is established as a county in the state of New York.
  • 1812: The first county courthouse is built in Ellicottville.
  • 1817: The Seneca Nation cedes a large portion of their land to the State of New York.
  • 1831: The town of Olean is incorporated.
  • 1836: The Allegany Indian Reservation is established.
  • 1851: The Buffalo and New York City Railroad is completed, connecting the county to major cities.
  • 1867: The village of Salamanca is incorporated.
  • 1880: The oil boom begins in the county, leading to economic growth.
  • 1908: The Kinzua Dam is completed on the Allegheny River.
  • 1954: The Seneca Allegany Casino opens, becoming a major attraction.
  • 1988: The Ohi:yo' Spa at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino opens.