Civilian Conservation Corps and Reelfoot Lake State Park
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.
The city of Nashville played an important role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The city was the site of the first sit-in protest in the United States, when a group of African American college students staged a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in downtown Nashville in 1960.
In the late 19th century, the discovery of high-quality clay deposits led to the establishment of several brick-making factories in Lake County. This industry brought economic growth and allowed the community to prosper. Additionally, the region's fertile soil and access to river transportation facilitated the expansion of agriculture, primarily focused on cotton and soybeans.
During the middle of the 20th century, Lake County experienced significant change with the construction of the Kentucky Dam. Completed in 1944, the dam created Kentucky Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States. This project transformed the local landscape and provided opportunities for water recreation, fishing, and tourism. It also brought about a shift in the local economy, with increased focus on the establishment of recreational facilities and services for visitors.
Lake County continued to evolve throughout the 20th century, with improvements in transportation infrastructure and the growth of small industries. Today, the area is known for its picturesque natural beauty, thriving agriculture, and a small but close-knit community. Visitors to Lake County can explore its history through various landmarks and museums, including the Obion River Historical Society Museum, which showcases exhibits on the region's Native American heritage, brick-making industry, and the impact of the Kentucky Dam project.
Lake County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lake County, Tennessee.
- 1835: Lake County is created by the Tennessee General Assembly
- 1838: The first settlers arrive in the area
- 1842: The county is named after Reelfoot Lake, a prominent feature in the area
- 1862: During the American Civil War, Union troops occupy the county
- 1877: The town of Tiptonville is officially incorporated
- 1907: The West Tennessee Detention Facility is established in Tiptonville
- 1927: The devastating Mississippi River Flood causes extensive damage in the county
- 1936: The construction of Reelfoot Lake State Park begins
- 1970: The completion of Kentucky Dam leads to the formation of Kentucky Lake, which borders the county
- 1995: The discovery of an ancient cypress forest beneath the waters of Reelfoot Lake attracts national attention