Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps

Historical marker location:
Sperryville, Virginia
( Marker is on Piney River Area Road west of Skyline Drive, on the left when traveling west.)

Redbird Camp

  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 was one of the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Virginia random facts
Rappahannock County, Virginia has a rich history dating back to the early colonial period. The land on which the county sits was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Siouan-speaking Manahoac and the Algonquian-speaking Powhatan Confederacy. European settlers first arrived in the late 17th century, attracted by the fertile soil and natural resources of the area.

The county was officially established in 1833, carved out of Culpeper County. It was named after the Rappahannock River, which flows through its eastern border. Rappahannock County quickly developed an agricultural economy based on tobacco, corn, wheat, and livestock. Plantations were prevalent, and slavery played a significant role in the region's prosperity.

During the Civil War, Rappahannock County was strategically important as it sat between the Union and Confederate lines. Numerous skirmishes and battles were fought in the area, including the Battle of Rappahannock Station in 1863. The war had a devastating impact on the county, with many properties destroyed and the economy in decline.

In the years following the war, Rappahannock County faced numerous challenges, including the decline of agriculture and the Great Depression. However, the county managed to rebound through diversification, embracing tourism and highlighting its natural beauty. Today, Rappahannock County is known for its picturesque landscapes, wineries, and art community, attracting visitors from near and far. With its unique history and thriving cultural scene, Rappahannock County continues to preserve its heritage while embracing the future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Rappahannock County, Virginia.

  • 1650s - Rappahannock County is established as part of Lancaster County, Virginia.
  • 1702 - Rappahannock County becomes an official county in Virginia.
  • 1833 - The town of Washington is established as the county seat of Rappahannock County.
  • 1862 - During the American Civil War, Rappahannock County is occupied by Union forces.
  • 1902 - The county courthouse in Washington is destroyed by fire and is later rebuilt.
  • 1954 - Segregation in schools is abolished in Rappahannock County following the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling.
  • 1999 - The Rappahannock County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 2021 - Rappahannock County continues to thrive as a rural community known for its scenic beauty and agricultural heritage.