Historical Marker

CCC Outhouse

Historical marker location:
Perkins, Oklahoma
( Marker can be reached from North Main Street when traveling east.)

Built 1935

  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.

The state song of Oklahoma, "Oklahoma!", was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein for their Broadway musical of the same name. The musical, which premiered in 1943, was set in Oklahoma territory in the early 1900s and tells the story of a young farm girl and her romance with a cowboy.
Oklahoma random facts
Payne County, Oklahoma, located in the central part of the state, holds a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and the Osage, who relied on the fertile land for hunting and agriculture. European explorers arrived in the 18th century, with French fur traders establishing trade routes in the region.

The 19th century brought significant changes to the area, as the United States government acquired the territory through a series of treaties with the Native American tribes. In 1889, the Land Run opened up Payne County for settlement, resulting in a rapid influx of settlers seeking opportunity on the vast prairies and fertile farmland. The county was named in honor of David Lewis Payne, a prominent advocate for the settlement of the area.

The founding of the town of Stillwater in 1884 marked a pivotal moment in Payne County's history. As the county seat, Stillwater became a center for commerce and education. It was the site of the first land-grant institution in the state, Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Oklahoma State University), which opened its doors in 1890. The college quickly became the heartbeat of the county, fostering growth, innovation, and a strong sense of community.

Throughout the 20th century, Payne County continued to evolve and adapt. It weathered the challenges of World War II and saw advancements in agriculture, industry, and technology. Today, its diverse economy incorporates education, agriculture, manufacturing, and oil and gas production. Payne County remains a thriving community, known for its vibrant cultural scene, natural beauty, and the welcoming spirit of its residents.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Payne County, Oklahoma.

  • 1879 - Payne County is established on December 19th, named after David L. Payne, a Civil War veteran and leader of the "Boomers" movement
  • 1880 - The city of Stillwater is selected as the county seat
  • 1889 - Payne County becomes part of the newly formed state of Oklahoma on November 16th
  • 1894 - The first Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, later known as Oklahoma State University, is established in Stillwater
  • 1905 - The First National Bank of Stillwater, the first national bank in the county, is established
  • 1916 - The 19th Infantry Regiment is formed in Stillwater for service in World War I
  • 1938 - Lake McMurtry is created as a reservoir for Stillwater's water supply
  • 1951 - The Stillwater Public Library is established
  • 1969 - The Stillwater National Bank building, now known as OSU-Tulsa, is constructed
  • 1990 - The historic Sheerar Museum is founded in Stillwater
  • 2011 - The Payne County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places