Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps

Historical marker location:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
( Marker is on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441), on the left when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 2008

  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 city of Durham, North Carolina, is home to the world-renowned Duke University and Duke Medical Center, as well as several other prestigious colleges and universities.
North Carolina random facts
Swain County, located in western North Carolina, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The land was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee, who were forced to relocate during the Trail of Tears in the 1830s. The county was officially established in 1871 and was named after David L. Swain, the former governor of North Carolina and president of the University of North Carolina.

The logging industry played a significant role in the early history of Swain County. The area was rich in timber resources, and logging became a major economic activity. Sawmills were established throughout the county, and timber was transported using the Little Tennessee River and its tributaries. As the logging industry grew, so did the population of Swain County.

In the early 20th century, the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Little Tennessee River led to the creation of Fontana Lake. The flooding of the valley forced the residents of several small communities, including the historic town of Proctor, to relocate. The creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934 further impacted Swain County, as thousands of acres of land were acquired for the park, displacing hundreds of residents.

In recent years, Swain County has focused on revitalizing its economy through tourism and outdoor recreation. The county is home to part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. The town of Bryson City, the county seat, has also become a hub for outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting and fishing. Despite the challenges it has faced throughout its history, Swain County continues to thrive as a beautiful and vibrant community.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Swain County, North Carolina.

  • 1871: Swain County is established from parts of Jackson County and Macon County.
  • 1873: Bryson City is incorporated as the county seat.
  • 1882: The county's first high school, Swain County High School, is established.
  • 1889: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established in part of Swain County.
  • 1911: The county's first newspaper, The Bryson City Times, is published.
  • 1928: The construction of Fontana Dam begins, which leads to the flooding of portions of Swain County to create Fontana Lake.
  • 1943: The construction of Fontana Dam is completed.
  • 1964: The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is opened in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • 1983: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad begins operations, offering scenic train rides through Swain County.
  • 1997: The Cherokee Indian Reservation, located partially in Swain County, opens Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort.
  • 2010: The total population of Swain County reaches over 13,000 residents.