CCC Shapes the Payette Drainage
Historical marker location:- 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 first known human settlement in Idaho dates back more than 12,000 years. Archaeological evidence shows that early Native American tribes lived in the region, and artifacts from these settlements can be found in museums throughout the state.
The county's history changed dramatically in the 1860s when gold was discovered in the Boise Basin. This led to a large influx of miners from across the country, resulting in the establishment of numerous mining towns and camps. Boise County quickly became a hub of mining activity, with a population boom and the development of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and schools.
However, the mining boom was short-lived, and by the late 1870s, many of the towns in Boise County had declined as the gold reserves dwindled. The subsequent years saw a shift in the county's economy toward logging and agriculture.
During the early 20th century, Boise County faced a series of challenges, including devastating wildfires and the impact of the Great Depression. The construction of the Lucky Peak Dam in the 1950s brought a level of stability to the area, as it provided water for irrigation and hydroelectric power.
Today, Boise County is known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and the preservation of its historic sites like mining ghost towns. Its history as a mining hub has left behind a captivating legacy that draws visitors from near and far.
Boise County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Boise County, Idaho.
- 1862: Boise County is established as one of the original counties in Idaho Territory.
- 1863: Idaho City becomes the county seat of Boise County.
- 1864: The construction of the Boise & Oregon Stage Road begins, connecting Boise County to the Oregon Trail.
- 1867: Idaho City becomes the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, surpassing Portland, Oregon.
- 1869: The completion of the Idaho Territorial Penitentiary marks the first prison in the Pacific Northwest.
- 1874: The county seat is relocated from Idaho City to Placerville.
- 1890: Boise County experiences a decline in population with the end of the gold rush era.
- 1943: The Idaho State Police begins patrolling Boise County.
- 1952: The county seat is relocated back to Idaho City.
- 1993: The Boise National Forest, covering portions of Boise County, is established.