Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps

Historical marker location:
277 North State Street, St. Ignace, Michigan
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of North State Street (Business Interstate 75) and Central Hill, on the right when traveling north.)

  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.

Michigan is a place where artists can live and create and be appreciated in the most genuine way, and that was my vision for 555.
Tyree Guyton in Tyree and the Heidelberg Project Documentary, 2010
Mackinac County, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was traditionally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Ojibwa, Odawa, and Potawatomi. These tribes relied on the area's abundant natural resources, particularly the Great Lakes, for fishing and trade.

In the 17th century, French explorers arrived, establishing a fur trade network in the region. The most notable among them was Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, who explored the Great Lakes and discovered the Mississippi River. The French built Fort Michilimackinac in 1715, which became a major trading post and played a crucial role in the fur trade economy.

During the American Revolutionary War, the British gained control of the fort, and it remained under British rule until 1796 when it was finally turned over to the United States. Mackinac County became a part of Michigan Territory in 1818 and rapidly grew in population due to the area's economic opportunities and strategic location.

In the mid-19th century, the construction of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957 connected Mackinac County to Michigan's Lower Peninsula, leading to increased tourism and economic growth. Today, Mackinac County remains a popular destination for its rich historical sites, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from around the world. The county continues to preserve its cultural heritage while embracing modern development.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Mackinac County, Michigan.

  • Pre-17th century: The area now known as Mackinac County is inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi.
  • 17th century: French explorers, such as Etienne BrulĂ© and Samuel de Champlain, establish contact and trade with the Native American tribes in the region.
  • 1670: French fur traders build a trading post on Mackinac Island, which becomes an important center for the fur trade.
  • 1761: Fort Mackinac is established by the British during the French and Indian War.
  • 1774: The British establish Michilimackinac County, which includes the area that will become Mackinac County.
  • 1783: The Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the American Revolutionary War and transferring the area to the United States.
  • 1818: Mackinac County is officially established by the Michigan Territorial Government.
  • 1834: The County seat is relocated from Mackinac Island to the mainland.
  • 1837: Michigan achieves statehood, and Mackinac County remains a part of the state.
  • 1875: The Mackinac Bridge is completed, connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan.
  • 1895: The first automobile is seen in Mackinac County, marking the beginning of a new era of transportation.
  • 20th century: Mackinac County becomes a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and historic sites.
  • 2010s: Mackinac County continues to thrive as a tourist destination, offering a variety of outdoor activities and attractions.