Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps

Historical marker location:
Medford, Wisconsin
( Marker is on Luepke Way south of Maple Street, on the right when traveling south.)

  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 Wisconsin.
The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born and raised in Wisconsin. Many of his most famous buildings, including Taliesin and the Johnson Wax headquarters, are located in the state.
Wisconsin random facts
Taylor County, located in north-central Wisconsin, was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and Menominee Native American tribes. European settlement began in the mid-19th century, and the area was officially formed as Taylor County in 1875. The county was named after William Taylor, a prominent early settler and politician in Wisconsin.

The rich natural resources in Taylor County, such as timber and fertile soil, attracted settlers looking to exploit these opportunities. Logging became a major industry in the late 1800s, driving the local economy and providing employment for many residents. The logging industry also led to the construction of railroads in the area, which facilitated the transport of timber to other parts of the state.

As the timber resources diminished, agriculture became increasingly important in Taylor County. Dairy farming in particular thrived, and the county became known for its high-quality dairy products. The development of efficient farming techniques and machinery further boosted agricultural productivity in the county.

In the 20th century, Taylor County experienced significant changes as it became more industrialized. The decline of the logging industry led to the establishment of paper mills, which became a major source of employment for the local population. Other industries, such as manufacturing and food processing, also flourished.

Today, Taylor County remains a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its close-knit communities. It continues to be a place where residents enjoy a high quality of life, while also preserving its rich history and natural resources.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Taylor County, Wisconsin.

  • 1845: Taylor County is established as an original county in the state of Wisconsin.
  • 1867: Medford, the county seat of Taylor County, is incorporated as a village.
  • 1881: The first railroad, the Wisconsin Central Railroad, reaches Taylor County.
  • 1885: The Chequamegon National Forest is established, covering parts of Taylor County.
  • 1891: Taylor County's first courthouse is built in Medford.
  • 1920s: The St. Croix Tavern, a rustic bar and dance hall, becomes a popular entertainment destination in Taylor County.
  • 1933: The Taylor County Fair begins, becoming an annual tradition.
  • 1950s: Taylor County experiences a significant growth in agriculture, with dairy farming and crop production becoming primary industries.
  • 1960s: The construction of the Medford Dam and the formation of the Medford Flowage create a recreational area for fishing and boating.
  • 1990s: The Taylor County Historical Society is established, preserving and promoting the county's history.
  • 2002: The Pershing Wildlife Area is established, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife species in Taylor County.
  • 2010: The Taylor County Population Center is determined to be the unincorporated community of Rib Lake.