Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1370
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.
During the colonial period, Nottoway County played a significant role in agriculture and tobacco production. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for plantations, and many wealthy landowners established large estates. Slavery was prevalent in the county, with enslaved people making up a significant portion of the population.
With the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, Nottoway County became a stage of conflict. The Battle of Nottoway Court House took place in 1864, with Union soldiers attempting to disrupt Confederate supply lines. The county also experienced the impact of General Robert E. Lee's retreat from Petersburg, as his army passed through the area.
After the Civil War, Nottoway County went through a period of reconstruction and recovery. The agricultural industry continued to be important, but the county also saw the emergence of new industries such as lumber, farming, and manufacturing. Education also became a priority, with the establishment of schools and colleges.
Today, Nottoway County remains a primarily rural area, known for its scenic beauty and historical landmarks. Visitors can explore the Nottoway Court House, which served as the county seat since its establishment. The county is also home to various outdoor recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, and hiking. Nottoway County's rich history and natural resources continue to attract residents and visitors alike.
Nottoway County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Nottoway County, Virginia.
- 1788 - Nottoway County was established on December 10, 1788.
- 1800 - The Nottoway Court House was built.
- 1803 - The town of Burkeville was established and named after a local farmer, John J. Burke.
- 1846 - Construction of the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad began, connecting Nottoway County to other parts of Virginia.
- 1852 - The Nottoway County Courthouse was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the original building.
- 1865 - During the American Civil War, Nottoway County saw significant military activity, including skirmishes and the burning of the Nottoway Court House by Union forces.
- 1900s - Nottoway County's economy thrived with the growth of tobacco and lumber industries.
- 1935 - The Nottoway River State Park was established, providing recreational opportunities for visitors.
- 1960s - Civil rights movements and desegregation efforts brought significant changes to Nottoway County.
- 2000s - Nottoway County continues to develop and diversify its economy, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.