Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps Camp P-56, Company 1367

Historical marker location:
Pleasant Valley, Virginia
( Marker is on James Madison Highway (U.S. 15) 0.2 miles north of Glen Road (County Route 686), on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1997

  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.

Jamestown, Virginia, was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. It was founded in 1607 and served as the capital of Virginia until 1699.
Virginia random facts
Buckingham County, located in the central part of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Monacan and Mannahoac peoples. European settlers began exploring the area in the 17th century, with English colonists arriving in the early 18th century.

The county was formally established in 1761 and named after the Duke of Buckingham and Normanby. It quickly developed into a bustling agricultural region, with tobacco becoming a major cash crop. Slavery was prevalent in Buckingham County during this time, with numerous plantations and enslaved populations supporting the local economy.

During the American Civil War, Buckingham County played a significant role. Its strategic location near major Confederate supply routes and transportation networks made it a target for both Union troops and Confederate raiders. Several skirmishes and battles were fought in the county, leaving lasting scars on the local landscape.

In the 20th century, Buckingham County experienced various economic shifts. The decline of tobacco farming and the subsequent rise of other agricultural industries, such as dairy farming and lumber production, shaped the county's economy. Today, Buckingham County continues to be an important agricultural region, while also embracing tourism and renewable energy projects as part of its diverse economic portfolio.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Buckingham County, Virginia.

  • 1761 - Buckingham County is established in the Colony of Virginia.
  • 1778 - The county courthouse is constructed.
  • 1809 - The town of New Canton is incorporated.
  • 1822 - Construction of the Buckingham-Appomattox Turnpike, a major road connecting Richmond and Lynchburg, begins.
  • 1846 - The Buckingham Female Collegiate Institute is founded.
  • 1865 - Buckingham County is impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1872 - A fire destroys the courthouse, leading to its reconstruction the following year.
  • 1908 - The Virginia State Penitentiary, also known as the State Farm, is established.
  • 1938 - The town of Dillwyn is incorporated.
  • 1992 - An F3 tornado strikes Buckingham County, causing significant damage.
  • 2010 - The population of Buckingham County is recorded to be 17,146.