Civilian Conservation Corps
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.
Maine was once part of New France: In the 17th and 18th centuries, the area that is now Maine was part of New France, which was a French colony in North America that included parts of what are now the United States and Canada.
In the 17th century, English settlers arrived in the area and began establishing colonies. The Kennebec Company, a group of Plymouth Colony investors, established Fort St. George in 1607 as a trading post and a center for the fur trade. However, conflicts with the local tribes, as well as harsh living conditions, led to the abandonment of the fort just a few years later.
During the American Revolution, Kennebec County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The town of Hallowell was a crucial manufacturing center, producing items such as cannons and ships for the Continental Army. Augusta, which became the county seat in 1799, was strategically located along the Kennebec River and served as a transportation hub during the war.
In the 19th century, Kennebec County experienced significant industrial growth. The construction of the Kennebec and Portland Railroad in 1849 provided a means for transporting goods, leading to the development of textile mills, paper mills, and other industries. These industries brought jobs and prosperity to the region, and the population of the county continued to grow.
Today, Kennebec County remains an important county in Maine. It is home to Augusta, the state capital, and offers a combination of historical attractions, natural beauty, and thriving communities. The county's rich history is celebrated through various museums, historic sites, and events, providing visitors and residents alike with a glimpse into its past.
Kennebec County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Kennebec County, Maine.
- 1674 - Kennebec County was originally part of Plymouth Colony.
- 1692 - The area became part of Massachusetts Bay Colony.
- 1799 - Kennebec County was established as a county in the state of Massachusetts.
- 1820 - Maine became a separate state from Massachusetts, and Kennebec County became part of Maine.
- 1832 - The state capital of Maine was moved from Portland to Augusta, located in Kennebec County.
- 1870 - The Maine State House, the seat of government for the state, was completed in Augusta.
- 1911 - Construction of the Augusta State Hospital, later known as the Augusta Mental Health Institute, began.
- 1958 - The Maine Turnpike, connecting the cities of Portland and Augusta, was completed.
- 1980 - Construction of the Augusta Civic Center, a large convention and exhibition center, was completed.