Historical Marker

The CCC: Creating a Lasting Monument to Conservation

Historical marker location:
Masontown, West Virginia
( Marker is on Coopers Rock Road, on the left when traveling west.)

  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 West Virginia.
The West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia, operated from 1866 to 1995, and was known for its harsh conditions and numerous executions. The prison is now a tourist attraction and offers tours of the facility.
West Virginia random facts
Monongalia County, located in north-central West Virginia, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Monongahela and Shawnee, until European settlers arrived in the 18th century. In 1776, Monongalia County was established as the first county in what is now West Virginia.

During the American Revolutionary War, Monongalia County played a significant role as a frontier outpost. Fort Burris, built in Morgantown, provided protection from Native American attacks and served as a staging ground for expeditions against British troops and their Native American allies.

In the early 19th century, Monongalia County experienced rapid growth with the development of transportation infrastructure, particularly the construction of the Northwestern Turnpike (now U.S. Route 50) and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. These developments spurred economic growth, attracting settlers and businesses to the region.

The county's economy shifted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the decline of agriculture as mining and manufacturing industries emerged. Coal mining became a major industry, attracting immigrants from Europe and African Americans from the South. Monongalia County also saw growth in manufacturing, particularly glass making, which elevated the region's economy and positioned Morgantown as a hub for education and research.

Today, Monongalia County is home to West Virginia University, one of the state's largest institutions of higher education. The county continues to experience economic growth, driven by the university, healthcare, and technology sectors. With its historical significance and thriving present, Monongalia County remains a vibrant and dynamic part of West Virginia's landscape.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Monongalia County, West Virginia.

Here is a brief timeline of the history of Monongalia County, WV:
  • 1776: Monongalia County is established by an act of the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1784: Morgantown, the county seat, is established and named after Colonel Zackquill Morgan.
  • 1796: The University of Pittsburgh is founded as the Pittsburgh Academy, and later becomes a renowned educational institution.
  • 1800: The Northwestern Turnpike is completed, improving transportation and trade in the region.
  • 1861: West Virginia secedes from Virginia and becomes its own state during the American Civil War.
  • 1914: The West Virginia University is established in Morgantown, becoming a major educational center.
  • 1975: The Interstate 68 highway is completed, connecting Morgantown with other major cities.
  • 2003: The Monongahela River Locks & Dam Number 3, a significant waterway infrastructure, is completed.
  • 2020: Monongalia County celebrates its 244th year since establishment.