Civilian Conservation Corps Camps

Historical marker location:
Philip, South Dakota
( Marker is on State Highway 240, 0.9 miles south of Interstate 90, on the right when traveling south.)
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.

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The famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial, featuring the faces of U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, is located in South Dakota. It was built by artist Gutzon Borglum and his team between 1927 and 1941.
Haakon County, located in the state of South Dakota, has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, who used the land for hunting and gathering. The arrival of European settlers in the late 1800s marked a significant turning point in the county's history.

In 1904, Haakon County was officially established, named after the Norwegian king Haakon VII. The region quickly became a hub for agriculture and ranching due to its fertile soil and ample grazing land. The early settlers faced various challenges, including harsh weather conditions and limited infrastructure, but their determination and hard work led to the development of prosperous farming communities.

During the early 20th century, the construction of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad brought increased connectivity and economic opportunities to Haakon County. This led to a further influx of settlers and the growth of towns such as Philip, the county seat. The railroad served as a vital transportation link for agricultural products and played a significant role in the county's development.

In recent decades, Haakon County has continued to rely heavily on agriculture, with cattle and grain production being the primary industries. The county has also experienced a shift towards more modern farming practices and technological advancements in order to remain competitive in the evolving agricultural landscape. Today, Haakon County is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich agricultural heritage.

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

  • 1878 - Haakon County is established as a county in South Dakota.
  • 1880 - Settlement begins in the area with small farms and ranches.
  • 1914 - The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad extends into the county, promoting further growth.
  • 1914-1918 - World War I impacts the county with many men serving in the military.
  • 1920s - Haakon County experiences a period of economic growth with the expansion of agriculture and increased population.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression causes hardships for the county, leading to economic struggles and population decline.
  • 1941-1945 - World War II affects the county as residents serve in the military, and the economy shifts towards supporting the war efforts.
  • 1950s-1960s - Haakon County experiences improvements in infrastructure, including the construction of highways and modernization of agricultural practices.
  • 1970s-1980s - The county faces challenges with declining population and changes in agricultural practices.
  • 1990s-2000s - Efforts are made to diversify the county's economy, including the development of tourism and renewable energy projects.