Walton CCC Camp Bean Ridge
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) company 3541 began here in July 1935 on a former ball park site owned by John L. Vest. Known as Camp Bean Ridge to the 200 men stationed here, it was 1 of 44 CCC camps in Kentucky. In all, more than 89,000 Kentuckians found work and acquired job skills through the CCC, which began in 1933 during the Great Depression and ended in 1942 with American involvement in World War II.
The mission of this camp was to conserve soil and fight erosion. They trained local farmers in contour farming, crop rotation, and strip cropping. They surveyed and made management plans for farms inf our Northern Kentucky counties, as well as planting trees and building fences. The men also provided relief aid during the 1937 Ohio River flood and the camp served as an emergency shelter.
Sponsored by the Boone County Historical Society.
Dedicated May 4, 2017
- 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 county's history saw it become a center for agriculture and trade. By the early 1800s, Boone County emerged as a significant hub for the production of tobacco, bourbon, and hemp. The Ohio River provided a vital transportation route for local farmers to ship their goods to distant markets. This led to the growth of small towns, such as Burlington and Florence, as trading centers and gathering places for the community.
During the American Civil War, Boone County played a notable role. As Kentucky was a border state, its citizens were divided in their loyalties, resulting in conflict and strife. The county witnessed several skirmishes and the occupation of Union and Confederate forces at different times. Despite the challenges of war, the local population managed to rebuild and revive their communities following its conclusion.
In the 20th century, Boone County experienced rapid growth and urbanization. The development of transportation infrastructure, including highways and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, fueled economic expansion. With its proximity to Cincinnati, Ohio, Boone County became an attractive suburban area for residents, leading to significant population growth, commercial development, and the establishment of several industrial centers.
Today, Boone County continues to evolve and thrive. It remains a diverse and bustling community with a blend of urban and rural landscapes, offering a range of amenities and opportunities for its residents. Heritage and historical preservation efforts ensure that the county's rich history is celebrated and preserved for future generations to appreciate.
Boone County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Boone County, Kentucky.
- 1798 - Boone County was established and named after Daniel Boone.
- 1802 - Burlington became the county seat of Boone County.
- 1811 - The county's first courthouse was constructed in Burlington.
- 1830 - The county seat was moved from Burlington to Florence.
- 1862 - The Battle of Florence took place during the Civil War.
- 1915 - The Ohio River Flood severely impacted Boone County.
- 1943 - The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) opened.
- 1967 - Florence Mall, the first regional shopping center, was built.
- 2003 - Creation Museum, a museum focusing on creationism, opened in Petersburg.
- 2010 - Boone County's population exceeded 100,000 residents.