Boiling Springs State Park and the Civilian Conservation Corps
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.
The Oklahoma City Thunder is the state's only major professional sports team. The team, which plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA), has had many successful seasons and is a source of pride for Oklahoma sports fans.
In the late 1800s, the area that is now Woodward County was opened for settlement through the Homestead Act of 1862. Thousands of pioneers, mainly from Texas and Kansas, flocked to this region in search of fertile land for farming and ranching. The town of Woodward was established in 1893 as a trading hub for the local population.
During the early 20th century, Woodward County witnessed the growth of its agricultural industry. Cotton, wheat, and cattle became the primary commodities in the county's economy. The discovery of oil in 1904 further boosted the local economy, leading to the establishment of oilfields and refineries. The presence of oil brought new wealth and opportunities to the county, attracting additional settlers and promoting economic development.
Tragically, Woodward County has also experienced its share of natural disasters. One of the most devastating events occurred on April 9, 1947, when a massive tornado struck Woodward, resulting in significant destruction, loss of life, and injuries. The community, however, showed resilience and rebuilt the town from the ground up, incorporating modern safety measures to mitigate future tornado risks.
Today, Woodward County continues to thrive as an agricultural and energy hub, with farming, ranching, and oil production playing vital roles in its economy. The county also cherishes its rich cultural heritage, preserving its Native American history through museums and cultural centers. With a resilient community and a diverse economy, Woodward County looks toward a promising future while honoring its past.
Woodward County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Woodward County, Oklahoma.
- 1833 - The area that would later become Woodward County is part of the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Reservation following the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek
- 1868 - The reservation is opened for settlement through the Medicine Lodge Treaty
- 1887 - The land in the area is opened for non-Indian settlement, leading to a surge in population
- 1893 - The town of Woodward is established as the first county seat
- 1897 - Woodward County is officially organized and named after Brinton W. Woodward, a Santa Fe Railroad director
- 1901 - The county seat is moved to the newly established town of Alva
- 1907 - Woodward County becomes part of the newly formed state of Oklahoma
- 1909 - The county seat is moved back to Woodward due to its central location
- 1927 - Discovery of oil leads to the development of the county's oil industry
- 1933 - The Dust Bowl hits Woodward County, causing widespread devastation
- 1947 - The town of Mooreland is incorporated
- 1957 - The Woodward Tornado, one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, strikes the city, resulting in extensive damage and loss of life
- 2000 - Woodward County celebrates its centennial