Civilian Conservation Corps Camp S-90 (Speculator)
a.k.a. 4-H Camp Sacandaga; Camp Tekoa; Camp Sacandaga
117 Page St., Lake Pleasant, NY Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
- 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 National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first-ever recorded baseball game was played in Hoboken, New Jersey, but the modern rules of the game were established in New York City in 1845 by the New York Knickerbocker Baseball Club.
The arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century brought significant changes to Hamilton County. Originally part of Montgomery County, it was officially established as a separate county in 1816 and named after Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury. The county's natural resources, such as timber and waterways, played a vital role in its early development.
In the 19th century, Hamilton County experienced a boom in logging and sawmill operations. The abundant forests attracted industries and workers, leading to the establishment of towns like Indian Lake, Speculator, and Wells. The lumber industry thrived until the early 20th century when the availability of timber declined, causing a shift in the local economy.
Today, Hamilton County is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. It is home to portions of the Adirondack Park, the largest state park in the United States. The park's pristine lakes, hiking trails, and wilderness areas draw visitors from around the world, contributing to the county's tourism industry. Additionally, the local communities continue to preserve their historical heritage through museums, historical societies, and events that celebrate Hamilton County's past.
Hamilton County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hamilton County, New York.
- 1795 - Hamilton County is established and named after Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
- 1838 - The county seat is established in Lake Pleasant.
- 1850 - The railroad reaches Wells, a town in Hamilton County, improving transportation and accessibility to the region.
- 1892 - The Adirondack Forest Preserve is established, protecting large portions of Hamilton County's natural landscape.
- 1924 - The state government passes legislation to establish and protect trails within the Adirondack Park, including in Hamilton County.
- 1937 - The construction of the Sacandaga Reservoir begins, resulting in the relocation of several communities in Hamilton County.
- 1975 - Hamilton County hosts the first-ever Adirondack Canoe Classic, an annual multi-day canoe race.
- 1990 - Hamilton County becomes a popular tourist destination, known for its outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.
- 2009 - The county starts to promote ecotourism, highlighting its diverse wildlife, forests, and scenic landscapes.