Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps, Carlsbad Campsite


The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) provided employment for more than 50,000 young men in New Mexico during the Great Depression as part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal Program. Three CCC companies were located where the Carlsbad Hospital now stands. They worked on flood control and reclamation projects along the Pecos River and in the Guadalupe Mountains and helped build Carlsbad’s “President Park.”

  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 New Mexico.
In the early 1800s, New Mexico became an important center for trade along the Santa Fe Trail, which connected Missouri to Santa Fe. The trail was used by traders, trappers, and settlers to transport goods and supplies across the frontier.
New Mexico random facts
Eddy County, New Mexico has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Apache and Navajo tribes, who relied on the land's resources for sustenance. European exploration and settlement began in the late 16th century when Spanish conquistadors arrived in search of gold and silver. They established missions and trading posts, introducing Catholicism and new technologies to the indigenous populations.

In the 19th century, Eddy County experienced significant changes due to the expansion of the United States. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 brought the region under American control, and it became part of the New Mexico Territory. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century had a profound impact on the county's development. Eddy County quickly became a major oil-producing area, attracting investment and leading to a population boom.

Eddy County played a significant role in World War II. Carlsbad Army Airfield, now known as Cavern City Air Terminal, was constructed in 1941 and served as a training base for bomber crews. Additionally, the nearby Carlsbad Caverns National Park was utilized as a storage site for sensitive materials during the war.

In more recent years, Eddy County has focused on diversifying its economy to reduce dependence on the oil industry. The tourism sector has grown, with the Carlsbad Caverns National Park attracting visitors from all over the world. The county also embraces agricultural production, particularly in dairy and pecan farming. Eddy County continues to evolve and thrive, preserving its rich history while adapting to new opportunities and challenges.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Eddy County, New Mexico.

  • 1852 - Eddy County is established as a county in the New Mexico Territory.
  • 1861 - The county seat is moved from San Jose to Karval, which is later renamed as Carlsbad.
  • 1892 - Carlsbad Caverns are named a national monument.
  • 1899 - The first commercial oil well in New Mexico is drilled in Eddy County.
  • 1918 - The construction of the Brantley Dam starts on the Pecos River to provide irrigation water for the area.
  • 1923 - Eddy County's population reaches its peak due to the oil boom.
  • 1930s - The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) builds infrastructure in Eddy County, including roads and trails.
  • 1947 - Carlsbad Caverns National Park is established, protecting the cave system.
  • 1977 - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) opens in Eddy County for the disposal of radioactive waste.
  • 1980s - Eddy County experiences another oil boom, increasing the population and economic activity.
  • 1992 - Eddy County Historical Museum is opened in Carlsbad to preserve and showcase the region's history.
  • 2000 - The town of Loving becomes incorporated as a municipality in Eddy County.
  • 2010 - Eddy County's population surpasses 50,000 residents.