Historical Marker

The CCC and Moundville

Historical marker location:
River Bank Road, Moundville, Alabama
( Marker can be reached from River Bank Road, on the right when traveling south.)

Moundville Archaeological Park

  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.

The city of Anniston, Alabama was the site of one of the most violent incidents of the Civil Rights Era. In 1961, a bus carrying Freedom Riders, a group of civil rights activists, was attacked and set on fire by a mob in Anniston.
Alabama random facts
Hale County, Alabama has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Creek tribes. European explorers, including Hernando de Soto, arrived in the area in the 16th century, but it was not until the early 19th century that European settlers began to establish permanent communities.

Hale County was formed in 1867, following the end of the American Civil War. It was named after Confederate officer Stephen F. Hale. The county quickly became an agricultural hub, with cotton becoming the primary crop grown in the region. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further bolstered the area's economy and facilitated the growth of small towns within the county.

The early 20th century brought both prosperity and challenges to Hale County. The prosperous cotton industry allowed for the development of thriving communities, such as Greensboro and Moundville, while also resulting in a reliance on sharecropping and the exploitation of African American laborers. This period also witnessed significant social and political changes, including the Civil Rights Movement, which had a profound impact on the county.

In recent decades, Hale County has experienced economic challenges as the agricultural sector has declined. Efforts have been made to diversify the local economy and attract businesses in other industries, such as manufacturing and healthcare. The region is also known for its cultural heritage, with various historical landmarks, museums, and festivals celebrating the rich history of Hale County.

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

  • 1818 - Hale County is established as a county in the state of Alabama.
  • 1831 - The town of Greensboro is incorporated, becoming the county seat of Hale County.
  • 1854 - The first railroad, the Alabama and Tennessee River Railroad, is completed in the county.
  • 1861-1865 - Hale County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1868 - The Hale County Courthouse in Greensboro is completed.
  • 1929 - The Great Depression brings economic hardship to Hale County.
  • 1937 - The Rural Studio program is established at Auburn University in Hale County, focusing on designing and building sustainable homes for low-income residents.
  • 1960s - The Civil Rights Movement has a significant impact on Hale County, with the town of Greensboro becoming an important location for civil rights activities.
  • 2003 - The Newbern Town Hall, designed by the Rural Studio, is completed.
  • 2015 - The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute is established in Selma, a city in Hale County, to honor the history of the Voting Rights Movement.