Historical Marker

The CCC in York County / Tom Johnston Camp, (SCS#10), CCC

Historical marker location:
222 South Herlong Avenue, Rock Hill, South Carolina
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of South Herlong Avenue and Piedmont Boulevard, on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 2005

  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 first American military victory of the Revolutionary War took place in South Carolina. In 1775, a small group of American patriots led by William Moultrie successfully defended Fort Sullivan (now Fort Moultrie) on Sullivan's Island from a British attack. The victory prevented the British from gaining control of Charleston Harbor and gave a boost to the American cause.
South Carolina random facts
York County, South Carolina, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Native American tribes, including the Catawba and Cherokee, inhabited the area long before European settlers arrived. In the late 1600s, the region became part of the Province of South Carolina, established by the English crown.

During the colonial period, York County was primarily rural, with settlers engaged in agriculture and trade. The area's location along the Catawba River played a crucial role in transportation and trade routes. As tensions escalated between the American colonies and Great Britain, York County saw significant activity during the Revolutionary War. Notably, the Battle of Huck's Defeat in 1780 took place in present-day York County, marking a pivotal point in the Southern Campaign.

After the war, the economy of York County continued to rely on agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century spurred economic growth and facilitated trade with neighboring regions. During this period, textile mills also began to emerge, driving industrialization and transforming the county's economy.

In the 20th century, York County experienced further growth and diversification. The establishment of Winthrop University in 1895 brought a focus on education and helped cultivate a thriving community. The county also became a hub for manufacturing and technology, attracting various industries and contributing to its economic development. Today, York County remains a vibrant region with a blend of historical heritage, natural beauty, and a diverse mix of industries.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of York County, South Carolina.

  • 1785 – York County is established as one of the original seven counties of South Carolina
  • 1823 – Yorkville, later known as York, becomes the county seat
  • 1861-1865 – York County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
  • 1874 – The Yorkville Female College, later known as Winthrop University, is established in York
  • 1923 – The first paved road is built in York County
  • 1950s – The textile industry booms in the county, leading to significant population growth
  • 1960s – York County experiences significant civil rights movement activity
  • 1990 – Carowinds, a popular amusement park, opens on the border of York County and North Carolina
  • 2003 – The Catawba Indian Nation opens a casino in York County, contributing to its economic growth