Historical Marker

60th Anniversary of the CCC

Historical marker location:
351 North Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, California
( Marker can be reached from North Arrowhead Avenue, on the left when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1993

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of California.
The first drive-in movie theater in the world was opened in California in 1933. The theater, called the Drive-In Theatre, was located in Camden, New Jersey. However, the drive-in movie theater became more popular in California and eventually spread across the country.
California random facts
San Bernardino County is located in Southern California and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was home to Native American tribes such as the Serrano and Cahuilla tribes, who lived off the land and had a close connection to their surroundings. European explorers reached the area in the late 18th century, with Spanish missionaries creating missions and settlements in the region.

In the early 19th century, the area became part of Mexico following its independence from Spain. It was during this time that San Bernardino County got its name, named after the Mission San Bernardino established by the Spanish. However, the Mexican influence in the region was short-lived, as the United States acquired the land as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which ended the Mexican-American War.

With the arrival of American settlers in the mid-19th century, San Bernardino County's population began to grow rapidly. The discovery of gold in the nearby Calico Mountains in the 1880s attracted prospectors and fortune-seekers to the area. The growth of the mining industry brought wealth and development to the county. In addition to mining, agriculture also played a significant role in the county's economy, with citrus groves and vineyards becoming prominent.

The county experienced a boom in the mid-20th century with the development of transportation and defense industries. The construction of Route 66 in the 1920s and the opening of the San Bernardino International Airport in the 1940s contributed to the growth of trade and travel. During World War II, military installations were established in the county, creating employment opportunities and boosting the local economy. Today, San Bernardino County is one of the largest counties in the United States by area and continues to be a hub for various industries, including logistics, manufacturing, and tourism.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of San Bernardino County, California.

  • 1810: San Bernardino County is established as part of Mexico's Alta California territory.
  • 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, transferring ownership of San Bernardino County to the United States.
  • 1851: San Bernardino County is officially recognized as a county in the state of California.
  • 1860: Silver mining booms in the region, leading to a population increase and economic growth.
  • 1883: The Southern Pacific Railroad arrives in San Bernardino, boosting trade and transportation in the area.
  • 1906: The National Old Trails Road, a precursor to Route 66, is established, further enhancing road travel through the county.
  • 1940: The construction of military bases in the county, such as the Marine Corps Air Station in Twentynine Palms, supports the war effort during World War II.
  • 1966: The completion of Interstate 10 makes San Bernardino County a key transportation corridor connecting Southern California to the rest of the country.
  • 1989: The devastating Loma Prieta earthquake in neighboring Northern California prompts increased earthquake preparedness efforts in San Bernardino County.