Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps

Historical marker location:
Laurens, New York
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of Town Line Road and Gilbert Lake Road, on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 1985

  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.

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New York random facts
Otsego County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mohawk, Oneida, and Iroquois Nations. These tribes thrived in the area, utilizing the natural resources provided by the nearby lakes, rivers, and forests.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish permanent settlements in Otsego County. The most notable of these was the founding of the village of Cooperstown in 1786 by William Cooper, a prominent industrialist. Cooperstown quickly grew into a thriving community and became the county seat in 1791.

During the early 19th century, Otsego County experienced significant economic growth, largely due to the construction of the Erie Canal. The canal, completed in 1825, provided a vital transportation route for goods and people, linking Otsego County to the rest of New York State and the Midwest. This led to an expansion in agriculture, manufacturing, and trade within the county.

Throughout the 20th century, Otsego County continued to evolve and adapt to changing economic and social trends. The establishment of educational institutions, such as Hartwick College and the State University of New York at Oneonta, brought a renewed focus on education and academic research to the area. The county also became a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its natural beauty and historical attractions.

Today, Otsego County remains a vibrant community, blending its rich history with modern amenities and opportunities. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, renowned museums, and cultural events. The county's commitment to preserving its heritage is evident in the historic buildings, monuments, and museums that can still be found throughout the area. Otsego County continues to be a place where both residents and visitors can appreciate its past while looking towards a promising future.

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

  • 1791 - Otsego County is established as one of the original counties in New York State.
  • 1785 - The village of Otsego, later renamed Cooperstown, is founded by William Cooper.
  • 1794 - Cooperstown becomes the county seat of Otsego County.
  • 1825 - The Erie Canal is completed, providing a transportation route through the county.
  • 1839 - The Farmers' Museum is established in Cooperstown to preserve and interpret rural artifacts.
  • 1852 - The Brooklyn Academy of Music is established in Cooperstown.
  • 1871 - The Fenimore Art Museum is founded in Cooperstown, showcasing American folk art and American Indian art.
  • 1939 - The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum opens in Cooperstown.
  • 1950s - The construction of the I-88 highway improves transportation access to Otsego County.
  • 2002 - The Cooperstown Dreams Park, a youth baseball facility, opens in Hartwick.
  • 2018 - Cooperstown celebrates its 200th anniversary as a village.