Historical Marker

In Memory of Civilian Conservation Corps Personnel

Historical marker location:
1530 Phalen Dr, Saint Paul, Minnesota
( Marker can be reached from Phalen Drive north of Wheelock Parkway, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1937

  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 iron ore industry played a significant role in Minnesota's early development. The Mesabi Range, located in the northeastern part of the state, is one of the largest iron ore deposits in the world.
Minnesota random facts
Ramsey County, located in the eastern part of Minnesota, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Dakota and Ojibwe, who relied on the Mississippi River for trade and sustenance. The arrival of French fur traders in the 17th century brought significant changes to the region, leading to European settlement.

In the 19th century, Ramsey County was established as one of Minnesota's original nine counties in 1849. The county derived its name from Alexander Ramsey, the first territorial governor of Minnesota. The area began to develop rapidly, with the construction of the state's first railroad in 1862, connecting St. Paul (the county seat) with the rest of Minnesota and pushing economic growth.

During the late 19th century, St. Paul became a major center for trade and transportation, with its location on the Mississippi River and proximity to railways. The city witnessed significant industrialization, attracting diverse industries such as milling, meatpacking, and brewing. The population of the county expanded rapidly, attracting immigrants from various European countries who sought employment opportunities.

In the 20th century, Ramsey County continued to grow and diversify. It played a critical role in World War II as the site of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant, which produced munitions for the war effort. The county also faced challenges, including racial tensions and urban decay in certain areas. Today, Ramsey County remains a vibrant urban area with a diverse population and a strong economy, characterized by its thriving arts and culture scene, high-quality education, and numerous recreational opportunities.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ramsey County, Minnesota.

  • 1849 - Ramsey County is established in Minnesota Territory
  • 1850 - St. Paul becomes the county seat
  • 1857 - Land west of the Mississippi River is transferred to Hennepin County
  • 1862 - Dakota tribes are forcibly removed from the county during the U.S.-Dakota War
  • 1889 - Capitol building is completed in St. Paul
  • 1900 - Population of Ramsey County exceeds 200,000
  • 1938 - The Highland Park Water Tower is built
  • 1974 - Landmark Center opens as a cultural center and events venue
  • 1992 - Xcel Energy Center is constructed in downtown St. Paul
  • 2010 - Population of Ramsey County reaches nearly 520,000