Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Kok'e State Park
a.k.a. Youth Job Corps Camp
HI 550 at Kok'e State Park Headquarters, Koke'e, HI Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
- 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 European to visit Hawaii was British explorer Captain James Cook in 1778. He named the islands the "Sandwich Islands" after his patron, the Earl of Sandwich.
In the late 18th century, British explorer Captain James Cook arrived in Kauai, marking the first contact between the island and Europeans. The island quickly became a hub for the fur and sandalwood trade, attracting merchants from around the world. Kauai's abundance of natural resources also made it an important center for whaling and sugar production.
During the 19th century, Kauai experienced a period of significant change and conflict. The island was unified under King Kaumualii, who controlled vast portions of Hawaii before eventually ceding control to Kamehameha I in 1810. This marked the consolidation of the Hawaiian Islands under a single ruler.
In the years following annexation by the United States in 1898, Kauai County experienced further development and modernization. The sugar industry thrived, and large plantations were established. However, economic decline in the mid-20th century led to the closure of many sugar plantations, and the county shifted its focus toward tourism and agriculture, including the growth of coffee and tropical fruit crops.
Today, Kauai County is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush rainforests, breathtaking coastlines, and iconic landmarks such as the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. The county continues to be a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique culture, outdoor activities, and pristine beaches.
Kauai County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Kauai County, Hawaii.
- 1778 - British explorer Captain James Cook became the first European to visit Kauai.
- 1810 - King Kamehameha I unified the Hawaiian Islands, including Kauai, under his rule.
- 1824 - The first Christian missionaries arrived on Kauai.
- 1835 - Lihue, the county seat, was established.
- 1850 - The Great Mahele land redistribution took place, affecting land ownership on Kauai.
- 1864 - The first sugar plantation in Kauai was established, marking the beginning of the sugar industry.
- 1892 - Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai, causing significant damage to the island.
- 1901 - The Hanapepe Massacre took place during a labor strike, resulting in the deaths of several workers.
- 1924 - The Kauai Railway Company was established, providing transportation for the sugar industry.
- 1959 - Hawaii became a state, and Kauai County became one of its four counties.
- 1982 - Hurricane Iwa caused extensive damage to Kauai.
- 1992 - Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai, becoming one of the most devastating hurricanes in Hawaiian history.