Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps Camp

Historical marker location:
Huron, South Dakota
( Marker is on 3rd Street Southwest west of Livestock Avenue, on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1990

  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 airplane to fly over the North Pole was piloted by South Dakota native Richard E. Byrd.
South Dakota random facts
Beadle County, South Dakota, was established on January 8, 1879, and named in honor of William H. Beadle, a Dakota Territory legislator. The region that would become Beadle County was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Sioux. The area saw significant change with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century, as they established homesteads and agriculture became the mainstay of the economy.

The county's first town, Huron, was founded in 1880 and quickly became the county seat. Railroads played a crucial role in the growth of Beadle County, connecting it to other major cities and allowing for increased transportation of goods and people. The completion of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway in 1880 helped further establish Huron as an agricultural hub.

During its early years, Beadle County experienced rapid population growth and economic prosperity, driven primarily by agriculture and the railroad industry. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate made it well-suited for farming, and crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans became the backbone of the local economy. The influx of settlers and investment in infrastructure led to the establishment of numerous small towns and schools throughout the county.

Over the years, Beadle County has faced challenges, including droughts, economic recessions, and the decline of small family farms. However, the county has also adapted and diversified its economy. Today, Beadle County is home to a variety of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. With its rich history and ongoing development, Beadle County continues to be an important part of South Dakota's growth and prosperity.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Beadle County, South Dakota.

  • 1879 - Beadle County is established, named after William Henry Harrison Beadle.
  • 1880 - Huron, the county seat of Beadle County, is founded.
  • 1882 - The Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway reaches Huron, leading to increased settlement and economic growth.
  • 1883 - The first courthouse is built in Huron.
  • 1887 - The Agricultural College of South Dakota (now South Dakota State University) is established in Brookings, just north of Beadle County.
  • 1893 - The Huron University is established, providing higher education opportunities to the region.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to significant economic challenges for Beadle County, as agriculture and industry are severely impacted.
  • 1953 - The South Dakota State Fair relocates to Huron, boosting the local economy and attracting visitors from across the state.
  • 1974 - The Huron Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places, preserving the city's unique architectural heritage.
  • 1997 - The Huron Event Center opens, providing a modern venue for conventions, conferences, and cultural events in Beadle County.
  • 2010 - Beadle County celebrates its 131st anniversary since its establishment.