Brown's Creek CCC Camp Barracks
a.k.a. Weippe Public Library
105 1st St., E., Weippe, ID Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
- 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.
Idaho is my favorite state! There's a purity in the air there. It's interesting to me that something about the air in Idaho, I think that there's an environment there to -- to let creativity take place
The discovery of gold in the Clearwater River in 1860 led to a significant influx of miners, triggering the Idaho Gold Rush. The town of Pierce, now the county seat, became a strategic center for mining activities. The region experienced both booms and busts as gold deposits were depleted and new mining opportunities arose throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In the late 19th century, timber became a prominent industry in Clearwater County. The vast mountainous forests provided an abundance of resources, attracting logging companies to the area. Lumber mills began operating, contributing to the county's economic growth and development. The logging industry remains an important part of Clearwater County's economy to this day.
Clearwater County witnessed the arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century. The completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad provided a more efficient means of transportation for both people and resources, further stimulating economic activities and allowing for easier access to the county's natural resources.
With its rich mining, logging, and railroad history, Clearwater County offers a glimpse into Idaho's vibrant past. Today, it is known for its stunning natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a blend of urban and rural communities that continue to thrive amidst its historical backdrop.
Clearwater County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Clearwater County, Idaho.
- 1902: Clearwater County is established on February 27 as a part of Shoshone County.
- 1911: Clearwater County becomes an independent county on January 24.
- 1930s: The Great Depression hits, leading to a decline in mining activity in the county.
- 1940s: World War II brings economic recovery with the demand for resources.
- 1950s: The construction of Dworshak Dam on the North Fork of the Clearwater River begins.
- 1973: Dworshak Dam is completed, becoming the tallest straight-axis concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere.
- 1980s: The decline of the timber industry impacts the county's economy.
- 1994: The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act designates parts of the Lochsa and Selway rivers within the county.
- 2000s: Efforts to diversify the economy include promoting tourism and outdoor activities.
- 2018: Clearwater County celebrates its centennial.
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