Historical Marker

White Lake CCC Camp

Historical marker location:
White Lake, North Carolina
( Marker is on U.S. 701 just north of North Carolina Highway 41, on the right when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1992

  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.

North Carolina was the birthplace of both Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, and Ava Gardner, the famous Hollywood actress.
North Carolina random facts
Bladen County, located in southeastern North Carolina, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cape Fear Indians, who lived off the land and had a mainly agrarian lifestyle. In the 16th century, European explorers like Giovanni da Verrazzano and Sir Walter Raleigh arrived, but permanent settlement did not occur until much later.

In the 18th century, Bladen County was created in 1734 as one of the original counties in North Carolina. It was named after Martin Bladen, a prominent British statesman at the time. The county quickly became an important center for agriculture, with tobacco, rice, and indigo being major cash crops. The county's fertile soil and access to rivers made it an ideal location for plantations.

During the American Revolutionary War, Bladen County played a significant role. Many residents joined the colonial cause and fought against British forces. The Battle of Elizabethtown, which took place in 1781, was a crucial engagement in the war. However, the county suffered from the economic impact of the war, as trade was disrupted and many plantations were destroyed.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Bladen County continued to be primarily an agricultural region, but faced numerous challenges. The Civil War and Reconstruction era brought further economic disruption, and the county also struggled with issues such as poverty and racial tensions. However, the county also saw progress, with the construction of railroads, the establishment of schools and churches, and the growth of small towns such as Elizabethtown and Bladenboro.

Today, Bladen County remains largely rural, with agriculture still playing a significant role in the local economy. The county boasts a mix of small-town charm and natural beauty, including attractions like the Cape Fear River and Jones Lake State Park. Bladen County's history is evident in its historic sites and museums, which preserve the stories of its Native American heritage, colonial settlement, and contributions to American history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bladen County, North Carolina.

  • 1734 - Bladen County is established as one of the original three counties in North Carolina.
  • 1735 - The county seat is established in a town called Elizabethtown.
  • 1787 - Bladen County loses a portion of its territory when Robeson County is established.
  • 1791 - The first courthouse is built in Elizabethtown.
  • 1832 - Bladen County's boundaries undergo a major change when Columbus County is created.
  • 1844 - A new courthouse is built in Elizabethtown to replace the previous one.
  • 1878 - The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad is built through Bladen County, boosting economic development.
  • 1904 - The third and current courthouse is built in Elizabethtown.
  • 1935 - Singletary Lake State Park is established, becoming a popular recreation spot.
  • 1985 - Jones Lake State Park is established, adding another natural attraction to the county.