Civilian Conservation Corps
Historical marker location:The Red River Journey
- 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.
Woody Guthrie, a folk singer and songwriter, was born in Oklahoma and wrote many songs about the struggles of farmers and migrant workers during the Great Depression. His most famous song, "This Land Is Your Land," has become a kind of unofficial anthem of the United States.
In the 19th century, Oklahoma County became a part of the Indian Territory, a designated land for Native American tribes that had been forcibly relocated from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States. The arrival of European settlers during the Land Run of 1889 and the subsequent creation of the Oklahoma Territory marked a significant turning point in the history of the county.
During the early 20th century, Oklahoma County experienced rapid growth and development. The discovery of oil in the region during the 1920s led to an economic boom, attracting thousands of people to the area in search of employment opportunities. The county's population increased rapidly, and urbanization became more prevalent. The city of Oklahoma City, which is located within Oklahoma County, emerged as the capital of the state.
Despite the economic prosperity of the 1920s, Oklahoma County, like the rest of the country, was severely affected by the Great Depression. The oil industry suffered, leading to widespread unemployment and financial hardship. However, the county slowly recovered, and in the post-World War II era, it experienced a period of steady growth and modernization.
Today, Oklahoma County continues to be a dynamic and diverse region, both economically and culturally. It is home to a variety of industries, including energy, aerospace, and healthcare. The county also boasts numerous cultural and recreational attractions, such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the vibrant Bricktown district, and the Oklahoma City Zoo. As the most populous county in the state, Oklahoma County remains an important center for commerce, education, and entertainment in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.
- 1830s - Oklahoma County originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Plains Apache and Caddo
- 1889 - Land Run of 1889 opens Oklahoma Territory for settlement, prompting the establishment of Oklahoma County
- 1893 - First courthouse constructed in Oklahoma County
- 1904 - Statehood for Oklahoma, making Oklahoma County an official county within the state
- 1930s - During the Great Depression, Oklahoma County experiences economic challenges
- 1950s - Suburban growth and expansion in Oklahoma County
- 1995 - Oklahoma City bombing, a terrorist attack in downtown Oklahoma City, affects the county and the nation
- 2000s - Ongoing development, population growth, and urbanization in Oklahoma County