Historical Marker

The CCC's Enduring Legacy

Historical marker location:
Hot Springs, South Dakota
( Marker is on Wind Cave Road.)

Wind Cave National Park

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of South Dakota.
South Dakota is the only state in the U.S. that has never had an earthquake.
South Dakota random facts
Fall River County is located in the southwestern corner of South Dakota and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne, Lakota Sioux, and Arapaho. These tribes relied on the natural resources of the region, such as water from the rivers and minerals from the Black Hills, to sustain their way of life.

The first European settlers arrived in the early 1870s, attracted by the discovery of gold in the Black Hills. Some settlers established mining camps in the county, hoping to strike it rich. However, the gold rush soon subsided, and many miners turned to agriculture and ranching to make a living. Ranching became an important industry in Fall River County, with cattle grazing on the vast grasslands.

In 1883, the county was officially organized and named after the Fall River, which runs through the region. The construction of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in the late 19th century brought further growth and development to the area. Small towns sprung up along the railroad, providing services and goods to the residents of Fall River County.

Over the years, the county has faced challenges, including the devastating forest fires that swept through the area in the early 20th century. However, Fall River County has persevered and continues to thrive today. Its economy is diverse, with tourism, agriculture, and ranching being important contributors. The county boasts natural attractions such as Wind Cave National Park and the Hot Springs, which draw visitors from near and far. With its rich history and natural beauty, Fall River County remains a unique and vibrant part of South Dakota.

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

  • 1875 - Fall River County is established.
  • 1876 - The town of Hot Springs is founded.
  • 1880 - The first newspaper, "Hot Springs Star," is published.
  • 1890 - The Fall River County Courthouse is built.
  • 1919 - The Evans Plunge swimming pool opens in Hot Springs.
  • 1930 - Wind Cave National Park is established.
  • 1951 - Angostura Reservoir is created.
  • 1977 - The Mammoth Site is discovered.
  • 2001 - Fall River Health Services opens a new hospital in Hot Springs.
  • 2010 - The population of Fall River County is 7,094.