Birch Creek CCC Camp
N of Dillon on US FS Rd. 98, Dillon, MT Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
- 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 National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The town of Libby, Montana, was the site of one of the worst environmental disasters in US history, when it was discovered that vermiculite mined from the area was contaminated with asbestos. The contamination led to widespread illness and death, and cleanup efforts have been ongoing for several decades.
In the mid-19th century, gold was discovered along the Beaverhead River, leading to a rush of prospectors seeking their fortune. The settlement of Bannack quickly grew and became the first territorial capital of Montana in 1864. However, Bannack's glory days were short-lived, and Virginia City emerged as the new focal point of the area's mining activity. Virginia City became the capital in 1875 before ultimately losing the title to Helena in 1877.
During the late 19th century, ranching and agriculture began to flourish in Beaverhead County, thanks to its fertile land and abundant water sources. Cattle and sheep ranching became some of the primary economic activities in the region, with homesteaders and ranchers establishing themselves in the county. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the local economy, facilitating the transportation of goods and providing a crucial link between the county and the rest of Montana.
Today, Beaverhead County is known for its spectacular natural beauty, including the majestic Rocky Mountains, vast grasslands, and the iconic Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The county continues to be a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. With a population that continues to grow steadily, Beaverhead County remains an important and thriving part of Montana's history and culture.
Beaverhead County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Beaverhead County, Montana.
- Before 1800: Beaverhead County is inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shoshone, Bannock, and Nez Perce.
- 1805: Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark explore the region as part of their expedition commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson.
- 1864: Beaverhead County is officially established by the Montana Territorial Legislature.
- 1862-1868: Gold is discovered in various areas of Beaverhead County, leading to a gold rush and the establishment of several mining towns.
- 1881: The Utah and Northern Railway reaches Beaverhead County, providing improved transportation and boosting the local economy.
- Late 1800s-early 1900s: Ranching becomes a significant industry in Beaverhead County, with cattle herds growing and agricultural activities expanding.
- 1930s: The Great Depression affects Beaverhead County, causing economic hardships and a decline in mining and agricultural activities.
- 1930-1970: Beaverhead County experiences a population decline due to economic factors and the impact of World War II.
- 1980s-present: Beaverhead County sees a resurgence in its economy, with a focus on tourism, outdoor recreation, and agriculture.