Historical Marker

CCC - A Peace-Time Army

Historical marker location:
Van Buren, Missouri
( Marker is at the intersection of State Highway Z and Pea Vine Road (State Highway 103), on the right when traveling north on State Highway Z.)

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Missouri.
The "Show-Me State" is Missouri's official nickname and is believed to have originated from a speech given by Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver in 1899. He said, "I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me."
Missouri random facts
Carter County, Missouri, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Delaware. These tribes relied on the abundant natural resources, including the Current River, for sustenance and trade.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to move into the region. The creation of Carter County can be traced back to 1859, when it was established from parts of Oregon and Shannon Counties. The county was named after Zimri A. Carter, an early settler and state legislator.

During the Civil War, Carter County was divided, with some residents supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. The Battle of Current River, fought in April 1864, resulted in a Confederate victory and left a lasting impact on the county. Many historical markers and monuments can still be found in the area, commemorating this significant event.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the timber industry boomed in Carter County. The dense forests provided abundant logging opportunities, attracting many lumber companies to the area. However, overlogging eventually led to the decline of the industry, and the economy shifted to other sectors such as agriculture and tourism. Today, Carter County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and historical landmarks, making it a popular destination for visitors from all over.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Carter County, Missouri.

  • 1829 - Carter County is established as a county in the state of Missouri.
  • 1843 - The first permanent settlements are established in Carter County.
  • 1862 - The Battle of Current River takes place during the American Civil War.
  • 1872 - Van Buren becomes the county seat of Carter County.
  • 1901 - The Current River State Park is established in Carter County.
  • 1979 - The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is designated a national park, including parts of Carter County.
  • 2002 - The largest earthquake in Missouri's history, measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale, hits Carter County.
  • 2010 - The population of Carter County reaches its highest point in history.