Civilian Conservation Corps Camp
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.
South Dakota was the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre, a tragic event in which over 150 unarmed Native American men, women, and children were killed by U.S. troops in 1890. Today, the site is a National Historic Landmark.
The area that is now Bennett County was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux. In the mid-19th century, the United States government forced many Native Americans to relocate to reservations, and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation was established within Bennett County in 1889.
Bennett County itself was officially established in 1909, after being carved out of the neighboring Shannon County. The county seat is Martin, a small town located on the eastern edge of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Martin became the county seat due to its central location within the newly formed county.
Throughout its history, Bennett County has predominantly been an agricultural area, with ranching and farming being the main economic activities. The vast prairie lands in the county provide ample grazing for cattle and other livestock, while crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans are cultivated.
Today, the county continues to preserve its rich Native American heritage, with many residents having strong ties to the Lakota Sioux tribe. Bennett County also offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, and hiking in nearby areas like the Badlands National Park.
Bennett County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bennett County, South Dakota.
- 1909: Bennett County is founded and named after John E. Bennett.
- Early 1900s: The area is primarily inhabited by Lakota Sioux Native Americans.
- 1911: Martin becomes the county seat.
- 1930s: The Great Depression hits Bennett County hard, causing economic hardship.
- 1940s: Bennett County experiences a rise in population due to the construction of an airbase.
- 1951: The airbase is closed, resulting in a decline in population.
- 1973: The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is established within Bennett County.
- 1990s: Bennett County focuses on agricultural development and diversification.
- Present: Bennett County continues to thrive as a rural community in South Dakota.