Historical Marker

The Civilian Conservation Corps

Historical marker location:
Pickens, South Carolina
( Marker is on Table Rock State Park Road.)

1933 - 1942

  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.

South Carolina is home to several historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Claflin University, Benedict College, and South Carolina State University. These institutions played a key role in educating African Americans in the state during the era of segregation.
South Carolina random facts
Pickens County, located in the northwest corner of South Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, who hunted and farmed the land. In the late 1700s, European settlers began to arrive, drawn by the fertile soil and abundant resources.

In 1828, Pickens District was officially established, named after General Andrew Pickens, a Revolutionary War hero. The district remained largely agricultural throughout the 19th century, with cotton as the main cash crop. The construction of railroad lines in the late 1800s brought new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to the growth of small towns within the county.

In the early 20th century, Pickens County faced significant challenges due to the Great Depression and the decline of the cotton industry. However, the county eventually rebounded through diversification and the growth of industries such as textiles, timber, and hydroelectric power. The establishment of Clemson University in 1889 also had a major impact, bringing education and research opportunities to the area and contributing to its economic development.

Today, Pickens County continues to evolve and thrive. It is home to a variety of industries, including advanced manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace, as well as a growing tourism sector. The county's natural beauty, which includes the Blue Ridge Mountains and numerous lakes and parks, attracts visitors from across the region. While agriculture remains an important part of the economy, Pickens County has successfully adapted to new challenges and opportunities, shaping its history into a story of resilience and progress.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Pickens County, South Carolina.

  • 1791: Pickens County was established as part of the Pendleton District
  • 1868: After the American Civil War, Pickens County was officially established
  • 1875: The town of Pickens was incorporated
  • 1898: Clemson University was founded in Pickens County
  • 1920s: The textiles industry experienced rapid growth in Pickens County
  • 1930s: The Great Depression had a significant impact on the county's economy
  • 1973: The Keowee-Toxaway State Park was established
  • 2000s: Pickens County saw significant growth in population and economy