National Register Listing

Civilian Conservation Corps Powder Magazine

S of Fremont R., N of Cuts Canyon, Torrey, UT
Local significance of the structure:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
  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 official tree is the quaking aspen, a deciduous tree that is known for its beautiful fall foliage.
Utah random facts
Wayne County, Utah, located in the central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Fremont and Paiute peoples, who left behind fascinating rock art and artifacts. European Americans first explored the region in the mid-1800s, with Latter-day Saint settlers establishing small communities in the late 1870s.

In the late 1800s, Wayne County experienced a mining boom as deposits of gold, silver, and copper were discovered. The town of Loa became a hub for mining activity and attracted a diverse population of miners, merchants, and settlers looking to profit from the growing industry. As mining operations expanded, new towns sprang up throughout the county, such as Bicknell, Torrey, and Hanksville.

The early 1900s brought significant changes to Wayne County's economy. A severe drought in the region forced many residents to abandon their farms and seek better opportunities elsewhere. This, combined with the decline of the mining industry, led to a population decrease and economic challenges. However, the county's stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities gradually attracted tourists, boosting the local economy.

Today, Wayne County is known for its stunning landscapes and abundant outdoor activities. It is home to Capitol Reef National Park, which preserves scenic canyons, geological formations, and ancient petroglyphs. The county also hosts annual events like the Wayne County Fair and the Wayne County ATV Jamboree, adding to its economic and cultural significance. Wayne County's history serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its inhabitants, who have embraced the county's natural resources to shape its past and build a thriving community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Wayne County, Utah.

  • 1776 - Wayne County area explored by Spanish missionaries and trappers.
  • 1869 - Mormon pioneers establish the settlement of Loa.
  • 1872 - Wayne County is named after General "Mad Anthony" Wayne.
  • 1882 - Bicknell, the county seat, is founded.
  • 1924 - Capitol Reef National Monument is established in the county.
  • 1971 - Capitol Reef National Monument is expanded and becomes Capitol Reef National Park.
  • 1994 - Wayne County Historical Society is formed to preserve local history.