Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps

Historical marker location:
Yosemite National Park, California
( Marker can be reached from Tioga Road (California Route 120), on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1988

  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.

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California random facts
Tuolumne County, located in central California, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Miwok, who lived in harmony with the land for centuries. European exploration of the area began in the early 19th century, with fur trappers and explorers venturing into the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold in the Sierra foothills led to the famous California Gold Rush. Tuolumne County became a prominent mining area and attracted thousands of miners seeking their fortunes. Towns such as Sonora and Columbia sprung up, becoming bustling centers of trade and commerce. Numerous mines were established, extracting gold, silver, and other precious minerals from the rich veins in the mountains.

By the late 19th century, the gold rush had waned, and the economy of Tuolumne County shifted towards other industries. Timber became a significant resource, with sawmills and logging operations thriving in the region. The pristine forests provided ample timber for buildings, railroads, and other infrastructure. The timber industry remained an important part of the county's economy for decades.

Today, Tuolumne County has evolved into a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and tourism. Its stunning landscapes, including the iconic Yosemite National Park, draw visitors from around the world. Heritage sites such as Columbia State Historic Park preserve the area's mining history, allowing visitors to experience life during the gold rush era. The county's rich Native American heritage is also celebrated, with cultural events and exhibits showcasing the history and traditions of the local tribes.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Tuolumne County, California.

  • 1848 - Gold is discovered in Tuolumne County, leading to the California Gold Rush
  • 1850 - Tuolumne County is officially established as a county in California
  • 1851 - The town of Sonora is founded
  • 1852 - Tuolumne County experiences a major fire, resulting in the destruction of most of Sonora
  • 1861 - Rail service begins in Tuolumne County
  • 1875 - Yosemite National Park is established, including parts of Tuolumne County
  • 1890 - Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is built in Tuolumne County
  • 1933 - The construction of Tuolumne County's first dam, Don Pedro Dam, is completed
  • 1940s-1950s - Tuolumne County experiences a decline in mining and an increase in tourism
  • 1997 - The Red Cloud Mine in Jamestown reopens, bringing a resurgence in gold mining
  • 2020 - Tuolumne County faces challenges related to wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic