Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps Project

Historical marker location:
4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, North Dakota
( Marker can be reached from Fort Lincoln Road, on the right when traveling south.)

The civilian conservation Corps (CCC) company 2775-V of Mandan, ND

  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
Morton County, North Dakota, has a rich history that spans centuries. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara peoples. These tribes established agricultural communities along the Missouri River, using its fertile land to grow corn, beans, and squash.

In the early 1800s, European explorers and trappers began to visit the area, including American fur trader Charles Larpenteur. The area soon became a hub for fur trading and a gateway to the western frontier. In 1872, the Northern Pacific Railroad reached Morton County, bringing an influx of settlers and leading to the establishment of the county.

The county was named after Oliver Hazard Perry Throck Morton, a Union Army Vice President during the American Civil War. Agriculture became the backbone of the county's economy, with settlers cultivating wheat, oats, barley, and other crops. The county's location along the Missouri River also made it an important transportation hub for shipping goods.

Over time, Morton County experienced economic ups and downs. The Great Depression of the 1930s hit the agricultural industry hard, causing hardships for many residents. However, during World War II, the county saw a boost in its economy as agricultural production increased to support the war effort.

Today, Morton County continues to be an agricultural powerhouse, with farming and ranching playing a significant role in its economy. The county is also known for its natural beauty, including the stunning prairies, rivers, and Badlands that dot the landscape. With its historical significance and thriving community, Morton County stands as a testament to the resilience and rich heritage of North Dakota.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Morton County, North Dakota.

  • Morton County was officially established on November 14, 1872.
  • In the late 19th century, European immigrants began to settle in the area, primarily coming from Germany, Scandinavia, and Russia.
  • In 1903, the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation Reservation was established in Morton County.
  • The county seat, Mandan, was incorporated in 1881, and later merged with the nearby town of Morton in 1992.
  • In 1936, the North Dakota State Industrial School for Boys, later renamed the State Training School, was established in Mandan.
  • Morton County experienced significant growth in the mid-20th century, with the construction of the Garrison Dam and the creation of Lake Sakakawea, attracting tourism and providing economic opportunities.
  • In 1976, the United Tribes Technical College was established in Bismarck, near Morton County, to provide higher education opportunities for Native American students.
  • In recent years, Morton County has been the site of controversial events related to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, resulting in increased national attention and activism.
  • As of the 2010 census, Morton County had a population of over 27,000 residents.