Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps

Historical marker location:
John Day, Oregon
( Marker is on Bremner Pass Road near West Main Street (Oregon Route 26), on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 2009

Malheur National Forest

  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.

The Oregon Trail was not the only route for pioneers to travel to Oregon. There were several other trails, including the California Trail, the Applegate Trail, and the Meek Cutoff. Many of these trails were more difficult and dangerous than the Oregon Trail.
Oregon random facts
Grant County is located in eastern Oregon and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Northern Paiute, Bannock, and Shoshone peoples, who relied on the abundant natural resources for their sustenance. European settlers began to arrive in the area in the mid-1800s, drawn by the promise of gold and other valuable minerals.

The discovery of gold in Canyon City in 1862 sparked a gold rush, attracting a large influx of miners and settlers to the area. The town quickly grew and became the county seat, playing an important role in the development and economy of Grant County. The gold rush period was marked by booming population, the establishment of mining camps, and the construction of infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

As mining declined, the economy of Grant County diversified to include logging, ranching, and agriculture. The natural resources of the region, such as timber and grazing lands, attracted new industries and settlers. The construction of railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries further supported economic growth and transportation in the county.

Over the years, Grant County has faced its share of challenges, including economic downturns and natural disasters such as wildfires. However, the scenic beauty of the area, including the picturesque landscapes of the John Day River and the Strawberry Mountains, continues to attract visitors and outdoor enthusiasts. Today, Grant County is a mix of rural communities, small towns, and natural wonders, with a strong sense of history and appreciation for its heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Grant County, Oregon.

  • 1862 - Grant County is established as a county in the Oregon Territory.
  • 1870 - Canyon City becomes the county seat of Grant County.
  • 1889 - John Day becomes an incorporated city in Grant County.
  • 1890 - The census records a population of over 7,000 residents in Grant County.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to a decline in mining activities in Grant County.
  • 1950s - The construction of the John Day Dam on the Columbia River brings economic development to Grant County.
  • 1975 - The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is established, preserving important paleontological sites in Grant County.
  • 1990s - Timber industry declines, impacting the local economy of Grant County.
  • 2010 - Census records a population of around 7,500 residents in Grant County.