Civilian Conservation Corps Camp
Historical marker location:- 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 Lewis and Clark expedition, which explored much of the western United States in the early 19th century, passed through what is now South Dakota.
The first European explorers arrived in Custer County in the early 1800s, with the famous Lewis and Clark expedition passing through the region in 1804. However, it wasn't until the 1874 Black Hills Expedition, led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, that the area gained significant attention. Custer's expedition discovered gold in the Black Hills, leading to a massive influx of settlers hoping to strike it rich.
The ensuing gold rush brought significant changes to Custer County. The town of Custer was established in 1875, named after George Armstrong Custer, and quickly became a hub for miners and prospectors. The county experienced rapid growth, attracting pioneers from across the country who were lured by the promise of wealth and opportunity.
Several famous events are associated with Custer County's history. One of the most iconic is the Battle of the Little Bighorn that took place in 1876, where Lieutenant Colonel Custer and his troops faced defeat at the hands of the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne. This battle, also known as Custer's Last Stand, has left a lasting impact on the county and is often commemorated through various historical sites and reenactments.
Today, Custer County continues to thrive with its natural beauty, rich heritage, and thriving tourism industry. The area is home to several national parks and monuments, including the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Custer County's history is celebrated and preserved in various museums and historical landmarks, serving as a reminder of the county's fascinating journey from Native American territory to a bustling center of the American West.
Custer County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Custer County, South Dakota.
- 1875 - Custer County is established.
- 1876 - Gold is discovered in the area, leading to a gold rush.
- 1877 - The town of Custer is founded.
- 1881 - Black Hills National Forest is established, including parts of Custer County.
- 1898 - Wind Cave National Park is established in Custer County.
- 1903 - Jewel Cave National Monument is established.
- 1933 - Custer State Park is established.
- 1968 - The Crazy Horse Memorial construction begins in Custer County.
- 1986 - Custer County Historical Society is incorporated.
- 1998 - The Journey Museum in Rapid City opens an exhibit on Custer County's history.
- 2005 - Custer County celebrates its 130th anniversary.