Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps

Historical marker location:
4001 Fort Caspar Road, Casper, Wyoming
( Marker can be reached from Fort Caspar Road, 0.1 miles west of Wyoming Route 258, on the right 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.

The first JCPenney store was opened in Kemmerer, Wyoming in 1902.
Wyoming random facts
Natrona County, Wyoming has a rich and fascinating history that begins with the Indigenous peoples who inhabited this region for thousands of years. The area was home to several tribes, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Shoshone, who utilized the natural resources and abundant wildlife for their sustenance.

In the mid-1800s, the Oregon Trail brought an influx of settlers through the region, and soon, the discovery of gold in the nearby South Pass area sparked the first major wave of non-Indigenous settlement. This led to the establishment of Fort Caspar in 1859, which provided protection for travelers and became a significant trading post.

The discovery of vast oil reserves in the early 20th century had a transformative effect on Natrona County. The region experienced a significant population boom, with workers and investors flocking to the area to capitalize on the oil industry. As a result, Casper, the county seat, grew rapidly and became a vital center for oil production, refining, and distribution.

Throughout the 20th century, Natrona County underwent several transformations and faced various challenges. The county played a crucial role in World War II, hosting the Amoco Oil Refinery, which produced vast amounts of fuel for the war effort. Additionally, it became an essential training ground for US military pilots during this time.

Today, Natrona County is renowned for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and continued ties to the energy industry. The area is home to iconic landmarks such as Casper Mountain, Alcova Reservoir, and the North Platte River, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. While the energy industry still plays a significant role in the local economy, the county has diversified and now encompasses healthcare, education, and tourism as essential sectors.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Natrona County, Wyoming.

  • 1886 - The first settlers establish a community in what is now Natrona County.
  • 1890 - Natrona County is officially organized and becomes a separate county in the state of Wyoming.
  • 1892 - Casper, the county seat of Natrona County, is incorporated as a city.
  • 1912 - The discovery of oil in the Salt Creek Oil Field leads to a major boom in the county's economy.
  • 1927 - The opening of the Midwest Refinery in Natrona County helps further boost the oil industry in the area.
  • 1955 - The Interstate Highway System brings improved transportation infrastructure to Natrona County.
  • 1972 - The Teapot Dome scandal, one of the biggest political scandals in U.S. history, is linked to Natrona County and its oil reserves.
  • 1999 - The recognition of Casper Mountain as a recreational area and the development of tourism become important aspects of the county's economy.
  • 2010 - Natrona County celebrates its 120th anniversary since its official organization as a county.