CCC Company 749 Powder Magazine

a.k.a. YE0114

N of Forest Service Rd. 4128 and S of Briggsville, Briggsville, AR
Local significance of the structure:
Social History; Conservation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
  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 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.

Arkansas has a rich Native American history, with numerous tribes including the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw living in the region for thousands of years before European settlement. The Trail of Tears, which was the forced relocation of Native American tribes from the southeastern United States to Oklahoma, also passed through Arkansas.
Yell County, Arkansas, located in the southern part of the state, has a rich and varied history that dates back centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Quapaw peoples, who lived off the land and utilized the resources of the Arkansas River valley. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors arrived in search of riches, but permanent European settlement did not occur until much later.

In the early 19th century, Yell County was part of the Louisiana Purchase and was included in the Arkansas Territory when it was established in 1819. The area saw an influx of settlers, primarily of European descent, who established farms, plantations, and small communities. The county was officially established on December 5, 1840, and was named after Archibald Yell, a renowned figure in the state and the first member of Congress from Arkansas.

Yell County played a significant role during the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces vying for control of the Arkansas River. The Battle of Dardanelle, fought in 1864, was a key conflict in the region and resulted in a Union victory. Yell County was also a major center for cotton production during the antebellum period and following the war, as agriculture became the backbone of the county's economy.

Throughout the 20th century, Yell County continued to evolve and develop. The construction of dams along the Arkansas River provided hydroelectric power and created recreational opportunities, such as the popular Lake Dardanelle. The county's economy has diversified over time, with industries including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Today, Yell County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historical sites that showcase its vibrant and complex past.

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

  • 1818 - Yell County was established as a county in the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1833 - The county seat was moved to Dardanelle.
  • 1846 - The first courthouse in Dardanelle was constructed.
  • 1861-1865 - Yell County residents were significantly affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1886 - The second courthouse in Dardanelle was built.
  • 1939-1945 - Yell County contributed to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1950s - The completion of Nimrod Dam led to significant economic growth in Yell County.
  • 1992 - The current and third courthouse building was constructed in Dardanelle.
  • 2011 - The cities of Dardanelle and Danville were hit by a devastating tornado.