Leeds Historic CCC 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 state's official tree is the quaking aspen, a deciduous tree that is known for its beautiful fall foliage.
The mid-1800s saw the arrival of Mormon pioneers, led by Brigham Young, who settled in what is now known as St. George, the county seat and largest city of Washington County. These settlers sought refuge from persecution and established farming communities, taking advantage of the fertile soil and mild climate. They built irrigation systems known as "reclamation projects" to bring water to the arid desert, making agriculture possible in the region.
Washington County became a hub for agricultural production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with orchards, vineyards, and dairy farms dotting the landscape. The construction of the St. George Temple, one of the oldest continuously operating LDS (Latter-Day Saint) temples, added to the area's significance as a religious and cultural center.
In recent years, Washington County has experienced significant population growth thanks to its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and thriving economy. The region has become a popular retirement destination and a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and off-roading. Today, Washington County is a vibrant and dynamic community that embraces its history while continuing to evolve and adapt to the changing times.
Washington County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Washington County, Utah.
- 1776-1777: It is believed that Spanish explorers, Francisco Garcés and Silvestre Vélez de Escalante, were the first non-Native Americans to enter what is now Washington County.
- 1847: Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young arrived in the Salt Lake Valley and began exploring areas for settlement.
- 1852: The first Mormon settlers arrived in what is now Washington County and established the community of Santa Clara.
- 1854: St. George was settled and became the county seat.
- 1861: Washington County was officially created by the Utah Territorial Legislature.
- 1871: The St. George Temple, the first temple completed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah, was dedicated.
- 1882: The area's rich iron deposits led to the establishment of the Silver Reef mining district, which attracted miners and entrepreneurs.
- 1897: The United Order communal system was abolished in Washington County, leading to a shift towards individual land ownership and economic development.
- 1923: Zion National Park was established, showcasing the region's stunning natural beauty.
- 1935: The completion of the Hoover Dam brought economic opportunities to the county.
- 2005: The Washington County School District became the largest district in Utah, highlighting the county's population growth and development.