Site of Civilian Conservation Corps Camp 1934-1938
Historical marker location:- 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.
New York State was the site of the deadliest terrorist attack in United States history prior to 9/11. In 1993, a bomb planted in the World Trade Center by Islamic extremists killed six people and injured more than a thousand others.
During the American Revolutionary War, Suffolk County played a significant role. The county saw numerous battles and skirmishes, and the region served as a base for both American and British forces. After the war, the county experienced rapid growth as agriculture and maritime trade flourished. The early 19th century witnessed the rise of shipbuilding, fishing, and whaling industries, with towns like Greenport and Sag Harbor becoming significant maritime hubs.
In the mid-19th century, the construction and expansion of railroads transformed Suffolk County into a popular summer resort destination for wealthy New York City residents. The opening of the Long Island Rail Road in 1844 allowed for easier access to the county's picturesque beaches and rural countryside. This era also marked the growth of suburban development, as more people sought to settle in Suffolk County and commute to the city.
In recent decades, Suffolk County has undergone further development and diversification. The region's economy has expanded beyond agriculture and maritime industries, with a focus on sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, and tourism. The county also faces challenges such as population growth, transportation issues, and environmental concerns, particularly regarding coastal erosion and water quality. Overall, Suffolk County remains an important part of Long Island's history, boasting a vibrant past and a thriving present.
Suffolk County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Suffolk County, New York.
- 1640 - English settlers from New Haven, Connecticut, purchase land from local Native Americans and establish the first permanent European settlements in Suffolk County.
- 1683 - Suffolk County is officially formed as one of the twelve original counties of the Province of New York.
- 1692 - Witch trials occur in the town of East Hampton, resulting in the execution of three women accused of practicing witchcraft.
- 1792 - Suffolk County splits into two separate counties: Suffolk County and Queens County.
- 1812 - The War of 1812 begins, leading to a wave of British attacks on Suffolk County's coastal towns and shipping industries.
- 1868 - The Long Island Rail Road expands into Suffolk County, connecting it to New York City and spurring population growth and economic development.
- 1898 - Suffolk County's population reaches 150,000, with agriculture, fishing, and tourism as its primary industries.
- 1938 - The "Long Island Express" hurricane devastates Suffolk County, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
- 1963 - Suffolk County Community College is established, providing accessible higher education to local residents.
- 1978 - The notorious "Son of Sam" serial killer, David Berkowitz, is arrested in Suffolk County.
- 1997 - Suffolk County approves the preservation of 10,000 acres of open space, protecting the region's natural resources and scenic beauty.