Historical Marker

National Park Service CCC Camps

Historical marker location:
Syria, Virginia
( Marker is on Skyline Drive, on the left when traveling south.)

  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.

Virginia is known as the "Mother of Presidents" because eight U.S. presidents were born there. Additionally, two more presidents, William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor, were born in what is now Virginia before it became a state.
Virginia random facts
Madison County, located in the central part of Virginia, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Monacan and Siouan tribes, who lived off the land and cultivated crops in the fertile valleys. European settlement began in the early 18th century, with the establishment of several farms and plantations.

In the late 18th century, Madison County played a role in the American Revolution. Many residents joined the Continental Army, and the county saw the Battle of Graves Mountain in 1781. The county was named in honor of James Madison, who would later become the fourth President of the United States and was born in neighboring Orange County. The name change occurred in 1792, and the county experienced rapid growth during this time.

The 19th century brought significant changes to Madison County. The construction of the Southwest Mountains Turnpike in 1832 improved transportation and led to the development of new towns and businesses along the route. Agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, continued to be a major part of the county's economy. Madison County also became known for its mineral resources, including gold, in the 19th century. The gold rush of the 1830s brought many prospectors and miners to the area.

In the 20th century, Madison County experienced a decline in agriculture due to changes in farming practices and the decline of the tobacco industry. The county began to focus more on tourism and outdoor recreation, taking advantage of its scenic beauty and proximity to Shenandoah National Park. Today, Madison County remains a small, rural community with a rich history and a strong sense of community.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Madison County, Virginia.

  • 1723 - Madison County is formed as part of the Colony of Virginia
  • 1793 - The county is officially named Madison, after Thomas Madison, the father of President James Madison
  • 1797 - The town of Madison, the county seat, is established
  • 1833 - The town of Graves Mill is established
  • 1870 - The town of Pratts is established
  • 1901 - The Norfolk and Western Railway opens a line through Madison County
  • 1912 - The town of Brightwood is established
  • 1929 - Hoover's Mill, later known as Banco, is established
  • 1961 - President John F. Kennedy creates the Shenandoah National Park, which includes parts of Madison County
  • 2010 - The population of Madison County reaches 13,308