National Register Listing

Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Shiloh Encampment Site

a.k.a. 11CO186

Illinois, 3rd PM., T11N, R9E, sec. 21, NW. 1/4, NE. 1/4, SW. 1/4, Lerna, IL
Local significance of the site:
Historic - Non-aboriginal

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
  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.

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.

non-aboriginal
Illinois is the birthplace of several famous people, including former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi, and writer Ernest Hemingway.
Illinois random facts
Coles County, Illinois has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Kickapoo, Wea, and Piankashaw, who inhabited the region before European settlement. In the early 1800s, settlers from the east began moving into Coles County, attracted by its fertile soil and natural resources.

The county was officially established in 1830 and named after Edward Coles, the second governor of Illinois. During the early years, agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy, with farmers growing crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. The county also became known for its prominent agricultural fairs and exhibitions, which showcased the latest farming techniques and technology.

Coles County saw significant growth in the mid-1800s with the construction of railroads, which opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation. The county became an important hub for the Illinois Central Railroad, attracting industries such as coal mining and manufacturing. Charleston, the county seat, experienced rapid development as a result, with the establishment of businesses, schools, and a growing population.

In the 20th century, Coles County continued to evolve, experiencing both the challenges and successes of a changing economy. The decline of coal mining in the region led to the loss of jobs and economic downturn. However, the county managed to diversify its economy, attracting new industries such as healthcare, education, and retail. Today, Coles County is known for its vibrant communities, natural beauty, and a balance between its rich history and a vision for the future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Coles County, Illinois.

  • 1816 - Coles County is established as a county in Illinois.
  • 1821 - The first settlement in Coles County is made by Thomas Russell.
  • 1830 - Coles County experiences significant growth with the arrival of the National Road.
  • 1831 - The town of Charleston is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • 1858 - The Illinois Central Railroad is completed, further boosting the county's growth.
  • 1877 - Eastern Illinois University (then known as Eastern Illinois Normal School) is founded in Charleston.
  • 1919 - The Charleston Riot, a race riot, occurs in Coles County.
  • 1977 - Coles County celebrates its sesquicentennial (150th anniversary).
  • 1996 - Coles County becomes a participant in the Illinois Main Street Program.
  • 2019 - Coles County celebrates its bicentennial (200th anniversary).