Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps Project

Historical marker location:
LaMoure, North Dakota
( Marker is on State Highway 13, 0.6 miles west of Main St, on the right when traveling east.)

  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 was the first state to have a state-owned flour mill, which was established in 1922. The mill helped to create a stable market for North Dakota wheat and has since become a major supplier of flour to bakeries and food companies across the country.
North Dakota random facts
LaMoure County, located in North Dakota, has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. The county was officially established on July 3, 1881, named after Judson LaMoure, a prominent businessman and politician from the area. The primary settlement in the county was the town of Grand Rapids, which later became the county seat and was eventually renamed LaMoure in honor of its namesake.

In the early days, LaMoure County was predominantly an agricultural region, with settlers engaging in wheat farming, cattle ranching, and dairy farming. The arrival of the railroad in 1881 greatly stimulated the county's economy, as it facilitated the transportation of goods and connected the region to larger markets. This led to a period of rapid growth and development, with more settlers moving in to take advantage of the fertile land and economic opportunities.

Over time, LaMoure County faced various challenges, including harsh weather conditions, the Great Depression, and changes in agricultural practices. Despite these challenges, the county persevered and adapted. Modernization efforts, such as the introduction of new farming technologies and irrigation systems, helped diversify the agricultural sector and improve productivity.

Today, LaMoure County remains primarily rural, with agriculture still playing a vital role in the local economy. The county continues to be known for its fertile soil, which supports a variety of crops, including wheat, corn, soybeans, and sunflowers. The community prides itself on its strong agricultural heritage and maintains a close-knit and vibrant small-town atmosphere.

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

  • 1873: LaMoure County is established by the Dakota Territory Legislature.
  • 1880: The first courthouse is built in LaMoure, the county seat.
  • 1884: The town of Berlin is established as the first railroad depot in the county.
  • 1894: The town of Edgeley is incorporated.
  • 1918: The Spanish influenza pandemic affects the county, causing significant loss of life.
  • 1924: The LaMoure County Courthouse in LaMoure is destroyed by fire.
  • 1926: A new courthouse is built in LaMoure to replace the one destroyed by fire.
  • 1946: The town of Jud is incorporated.
  • 1954: The town of Kulm celebrates its centennial.
  • 1969: The Ransom County Courthouse, which also served LaMoure County, is destroyed by fire.
  • 1974: The current LaMoure County Courthouse is built in LaMoure.
  • 2000: The town of Verona disincorporates.
  • 2010: The town of Grand Rapids changes its name to Berlin.