Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps Camp

Historical marker location:
Vivian, South Dakota
( Marker can be reached from I-90 (Interstate I-90) 5.6 miles US 83 (U.S. 83), 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.

Audiobooks about the history of South Dakota.
The Homestake Mine, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, was the largest and deepest gold mine in North America, producing over 40 million ounces of gold during its operation.
South Dakota random facts
Lyman County, located in South Dakota, has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux. The first European explorers to visit the region were part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 19th century. They were followed by fur traders and missionaries, who established some of the first settlements in what is now Lyman County.

The establishment of the Fort Pierre to Deadwood Stage Line in the late 19th century played a significant role in the development of Lyman County. This stagecoach route opened up the region for settlement and brought increased trade and commerce. In 1878, the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad reached the area, further facilitating settlement and the growth of towns in the county.

Agriculture became the backbone of Lyman County's economy in the early 20th century. Farmers began cultivating the fertile soil, planting crops such as wheat, corn, and oats. The county's agricultural industry also benefited from the construction of the Oahe Dam on the Missouri River in the 1950s, which provided irrigation and hydroelectric power to the region.

Today, Lyman County is a rural community that continues to rely on agriculture. The county is known for its vast stretches of farmland and ranches. It is also home to several recreational areas, including parks, wildlife refuges, and the Lake Francis Case reservoir, which offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting. With its rich history and natural beauty, Lyman County remains a picturesque part of South Dakota.

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

  • 1803 - The area that would become Lyman County is acquired by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
  • 1858 - The Yankton Sioux Reservation is established, covering a large portion of present-day Lyman County.
  • 1863 - The Homestead Act is passed, leading to increased settlement in the region.
  • 1873 - The first post office opens in what is now Presho, the future county seat of Lyman County.
  • 1881 - Railroads reach the area, facilitating further development and economic growth.
  • 1883 - Lyman County is established as a county in Dakota Territory.
  • 1912 - South Dakota becomes a state, with Lyman County remaining one of its counties.
  • 1933 - Construction of the Fort Randall Dam begins on the Missouri River, eventually leading to the creation of Lake Francis Case and influencing the county's economy.
  • 1962 - The Oahe Dam on the Missouri River is completed, further impacting the county's landscape and water resources.
  • 1978 - The Lower Brule Indian Reservation is established in the southeastern part of the county.