National Register Listing

Dalton Wells CCC Camp-Moab Relocation Center

a.k.a. Camp DG-32

US 191, approximately 13 mi. N of Moab, Moab, UT
Local significance of the site:
Politics/government; Social History; Asian; Conservation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
  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 National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The state's name comes from the Ute tribe, who were the original inhabitants of the region. The word "Ute" means "land of the sun" or "people of the mountains."
Utah random facts
Grand County, UT is located in the southeastern part of the state and has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Ute and Paiute peoples for thousands of years. These tribes lived off the land, relying on hunting, gathering, and farming for sustenance.

The region gained prominence in the 1800s with the arrival of European settlers and prospectors. In the mid-1800s, Mormon pioneers entered the area, establishing the town of Moab in 1855. They primarily engaged in farming and livestock, using the Colorado River for irrigation. However, the isolated nature of the region limited its growth and development.

The late 1800s brought a shift in economic activities as mining became a significant industry in Grand County. Deposits of uranium, vanadium, and other minerals were discovered, attracting numerous miners and entrepreneurs. Mining operations, along with the arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, spurred growth and increased the population.

The 20th century saw further development and diversification in the county. The establishment of Arches National Monument in 1929 and its subsequent upgrade to a national park in 1971 brought increased tourism to the area. The stunning rock formations and natural beauty of the park continue to be a major draw for visitors worldwide. Today, Grand County thrives on a mix of tourism, mining, agriculture, and outdoor recreation, maintaining its unique blend of natural wonders and historical significance.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Grand County, Utah.

  • 1840s: Early exploration and trapping by European Americans.
  • 1869: John Wesley Powell leads the first documented expedition through the area, mapping the Green and Colorado Rivers.
  • 1871: Settlement begins in Moab, the future county seat.
  • 1880s: Ranching and mining become important industries in the area.
  • 1890: Grand County is officially established by the Utah Territorial Legislature.
  • 1911: Uranium deposits discovered, leading to a boom in mining activity.
  • 1950s: Construction of the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River creates Lake Powell, bringing tourism to the region.
  • 1964: Arches National Monument is redesignated as Arches National Park.
  • 1971: Canyonlands National Park is established.
  • 1980s: Off-road vehicle use becomes a popular recreational activity in the county.
  • 1991: The Hells Revenge Trail is designated as an official off-road vehicle trail.
  • 2000s: The county experiences a population growth and increased tourism.