Historical Marker

Letchworth State Park's first major CCC project

Historical marker location:
Portage, New York
( Marker is on Parade Grounds Rd, on the left when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 2021

  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.

In the mid-19th century, New York City was the largest slaveholding city in the United States, and the largest slave market was located on Wall Street.
New York random facts
Livingston County, located in western New York, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1821. The area was originally inhabited by the Seneca Nation, part of the Iroquois Confederacy, who used the Genesee River as a vital waterway for transportation and trade. European exploration of the area began in the 17th century, with French and British settlers establishing trade networks and alliances with the Native American tribes.

In the aftermath of the American Revolution, the Sullivan Campaign of 1779 against the Iroquois Confederacy led to the displacement of the Seneca people from their ancestral lands. This opened up the area for settlement by European-Americans, and Livingston County was named after Robert R. Livingston, a prominent Founding Father and landowner in the region.

The early 19th century saw the establishment of towns and villages within Livingston County, including the county seat, Geneseo. The construction of the Genesee Valley Canal in the 1830s further facilitated settlement and economic growth, with the canal serving as a crucial transportation route for the agricultural and manufacturing industries.

During the mid-19th century, Livingston County played a significant role in the Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad. Prominent abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass and William Morgan used the county as a base of operations, and many residents were involved in helping enslaved individuals escape to freedom.

Today, Livingston County is known for its scenic landscapes, historic sites, and strong sense of community. The region has embraced its agricultural heritage, with farming and agribusiness remaining important economic sectors. The county also boasts educational institutions, such as the State University of New York at Geneseo, that contribute to the cultural and intellectual life of the area.

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

  • 1683 - Livingston County is part of Albany County, which includes all of present-day New York State.
  • 1781 - Albany County is divided, and Livingston County is part of Tryon County.
  • 1784 - Tryon County is divided, and Livingston County is part of Ontario County.
  • 1802 - Genesee County is formed from parts of Ontario County, and Livingston County is part of Genesee County.
  • 1821 - Livingston County is officially established as a separate county.
  • 1823 - Avon, the first town in Livingston County, is incorporated.
  • 1825 - Mount Morris, Caledonia, Livonia, and Lima are incorporated as towns in Livingston County.
  • 1831 - Geneseo is incorporated as a town in Livingston County.
  • 1850s - The railroad reaches Livingston County, spurring growth and economic development.
  • 1870s - Livonia Station becomes a major railroad hub in the county.
  • 1920s - The Great Depression hits Livingston County, causing economic decline.
  • 1940s - Livingston County experiences a resurgence in agriculture and manufacturing industries.
  • 1990s - Tourism becomes an important part of the county's economy.
  • Present - Livingston County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and a rich history.