CCC Company 741 Powder Magazine Historic District
a.k.a. MN0052, MN0053; 3MN189
Forest Service Rd. 177M NE of Norman, Norman, AR Local significance of the structure:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
- 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 National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first Walmart store was opened in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962 by Sam Walton, who went on to build one of the largest retail chains in the world. Today, Walmart is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, and is one of the largest employers in the state.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to explore and settle in the Montgomery County area. The county itself was officially established in 1842, named after Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The town of Mount Ida, which would become the county seat, was founded around this time and became an important trade center for the surrounding communities.
Montgomery County played a significant role in the development of the timber industry in Arkansas. The vast forests attracted lumber companies from the late 1800s into the 1900s, leading to the establishment of numerous sawmills and logging camps in the area. The booming timber industry brought economic prosperity to the county, but also resulted in deforestation and environmental concerns.
Over the years, Montgomery County has faced challenges and undergone changes. The decline of the timber industry in the mid-20th century, shifting economic landscapes, and modernization have all shaped the county's history. Today, Montgomery County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including Lake Ouachita and the Ouachita National Forest, as well as being a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts.
Montgomery County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Montgomery County, Arkansas.
- 1800: The area now known as Montgomery County is inhabited by various indigenous tribes.
- 1803: The Louisiana Purchase brings the territory under the control of the United States.
- 1830: European-American settlers begin establishing settlements in the region.
- 1836: Montgomery County is officially formed and named after Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War general.
- 1892: The railroad reaches Montgomery County, spurring economic growth and development.
- 1930s: The Great Depression affects the area, leading to economic hardships for residents.
- 1950s: The construction of Lake Ouachita brings tourism and recreational opportunities to the county.
- 1980s: The timber industry plays a significant role in the local economy.
- 2000s: Montgomery County experiences population growth, with an increase in residential development and tourism.