Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) Project

Historical marker location:
3199 Park Ave NE, Arvilla, North Dakota
( Marker is on Park Avenue NE, 0.2 miles west of Wood Avenue.)

  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 North Dakota.
North Dakota has a long and rich history of Native American culture and heritage. The state is home to several Native American tribes, including the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and the Spirit Lake Tribe. Today, these tribes continue to preserve and celebrate their traditions and customs through powwows, cultural events, and other activities.
North Dakota random facts
Grand Forks County, North Dakota, has a rich and diverse history that spans over centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe people. European settlement began in the early 19th century, with fur traders and explorers making their way to the region.

In 1870, Grand Forks County was officially established as a county. The county's name is derived from the location at the junction of the Red and Red Lake Rivers, known as the "grand forks." The settlement of Grand Forks quickly grew in the late 19th century due to the expansion of the railroad and the opening of the University of North Dakota in 1883.

The early 20th century brought challenges to Grand Forks County, as it faced several devastating floods. The most notable was the Great Flood of 1997, which caused extensive damage to the city and resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents. However, the community rallied together to rebuild and recover, showcasing the resilience and determination of its residents.

Today, Grand Forks County is a thriving community with a diversified economy. It is home to various industries, including agriculture, education, healthcare, and technology. The county continues to grow and develop, with a strong focus on preserving its heritage and fostering a vibrant cultural scene. From its Native American roots to its modern-day achievements, Grand Forks County stands as a testament to the strength and spirit of its people.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Grand Forks County, North Dakota.

  • 1812-1825: Assiniboine and Dakota Native American tribes inhabited the area.
  • 1870: The Red River Valley was opened for settlement, leading to the establishment of Grand Forks County.
  • 1872: The City of Grand Forks was founded and became the county seat.
  • 1881: The University of North Dakota was established in Grand Forks.
  • 1927: The devastating Red River flood caused significant damage in the county.
  • 1948: The Grand Forks Air Force Base was established.
  • 1997: Grand Forks County, along with the city, experienced a second major flood, resulting in widespread destruction.