Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps Camp

Historical marker location:
Houghton, South Dakota
( Marker is on County Route 7, 1.3 miles 400th Ave.., on the right when traveling east.)
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.

The state bird of South Dakota is the ring-necked pheasant, which was introduced to the state in the early 1900s.
South Dakota random facts
Brown County, South Dakota has a rich history that can be traced back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux. European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, with the establishment of the Fort Sisseton military post in 1864. This marked the beginning of the influx of American settlers into the region.

In 1879, Brown County was officially established and named after Alfred Brown, a prominent territorial legislator. The county seat was initially located in Columbia, but in 1880, it was moved to Aberdeen, which eventually became the largest city in the county. The railroad reached Aberdeen in the late 1880s, further contributing to the growth and development of the area.

The early years of Brown County were marked by agricultural expansion, as farmers settled in the region and began cultivating the fertile land. Wheat, corn, and livestock farming became the backbone of the local economy. The establishment of the first creamery in Aberdeen in 1885 also marked a significant development in the agricultural sector.

Over the years, Brown County continued to grow and diversify its economy. In the early 1900s, the county became a hub for manufacturing and industry, with companies like Aberdeen American News and Hub City Iron Works contributing to its economic prosperity. Today, Brown County remains a vibrant community with a strong agricultural sector, a thriving manufacturing industry, and a rich cultural heritage, attracting visitors from near and far.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Brown County, South Dakota.

  • 1879: Brown County was established by the Dakota Territory Legislature.
  • 1880: Aberdeen, the county seat, was settled.
  • 1881: The Milwaukee Railroad reached Aberdeen, boosting the city's growth.
  • 1882: The town of Columbia was established.
  • 1883: The town of Bath was established.
  • 1885: Warner was settled.
  • 1887: The town of Frederick was established.
  • 1889: South Dakota became a state.
  • 1890: The population of Brown County reached over 14,000.
  • 1917: The Brown County Courthouse was constructed in Aberdeen.
  • 1996: The Northern State University Barnett Center was built in Aberdeen.
  • 2016: The Aberdeen Regional Airport completed a major expansion project.