Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Sites

"This structure is a meeting house for the tribal council of the Navajo Indians. Its shape and construction is based on Navajo building forms. It is octagonal in form and approximately 72 feet across in each dimension with its exterior walls constructed of native rubble stone finished on the inside with adobe plaster. The upper roof is supported by unhewn logs which extend somewhat like flying buttresses into the stone piers at the corners of the octagon. Both upper and lower roofs are covered with adobe. It is one of many buildings constructed on the Navajo Reservation with P.W.A. funds....

Navajo Lake in Kane County, UT is a natural lake formed by a prehistoric lava flow.  The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) added a dike to raise the lake level and extend the recreational boating, swimming and fishing season.  This is one of several projects undertaken by the CCC in Dixie National Forest during the 1930s, under the supervision of the US Forest Service.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) conducted extensive development work at Grand Canyon Village, 1933-37, including the rock walls and pillars at the bottom of Navajo Street. The National Park Service CCC Walking Tour adds these details: "The CCC constructed these rock pillars and walls in 1934 as a visual barrier between the public area and the residential area up Navajo Street. Historians believe that this is CCC work, although documentation is lacking. The recessed cement between the stones was a common CCC technique. Civilian Conservation Corps rock work has proven to be durable. Notice the extensive growth of lichens on the...

Now the Hawthorne Army Depot, what was then the Naval Ammunition Depot was developed and improved by multiple New Deal agencies during the Great Depression. noehill.com: "By 1930, Hawthorne's population had grown to 757, with the Depot contributing 72 military personnel and 90 civilian employees to the total. The presence of the Depot helped Hawthorne through the Great Depression, but a number of President Roosevelt's New Deal programs were undertaken there to further help ameliorate joblessness. In October 1935, the first Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects were initiated, consisting mostly of road construction and repair. Other projects included courthouse repair and improvement,...

Giant Sequoia National Monument is a designated area encompassing 328,315 acres in the Sierra National Forest, Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. "Built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this lookout is a 14x14 foot wooden C-3 style cab. The lookout, which sits at elevation 8,245 feet, is in very good condition with only slight modifications. The windows, siding, roof and tower remain as original. The cab has over-head shutter supports which became standard on C-3 and L-4 cabs in 1936. This type of construction lends to its historical importance. The lookout sits on a granite pinnacle....

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp SP-24 was established at Capitola, just east of Santa Cruz, for the purpose of working on nearby California beach state parks at New Brighton and Sea Cliff. The California state parks system had only been created c 1930, and all parks existing or purchases in the 1930s needed work on recreational facilities.  The CCC was active in state parks all over California.  New Brighton Beach was purchased by the state in 1933. Camp SP-24 was active in the late 1930s, but we do not have exact dates.  We know that the CCC enrollees of Company 5447 worked...

The CCC did extensive work at multiple sites within New Discovery State Park, one of several parks located within the Groton State Forest. "In 1933, CCC Company 146 from Rhode Island was stationed along the road to Osmore Pond. Approximately 3⁄4 mile from the campground on the left, you will see the remains of a stone fence at the entrance to the camp, the Recreation Hall chimney, and cellar holes. Company 146 was responsible for building structures at New Discovery, Osmore Pond, Owl’s Head, and Kettle Pond. Around Osmore Pond, a 75-person log shelter, 19 picnic sites with stone fireplaces, and four...

CCC-built structures at New Germany State Park, that are still in use today, include a recreation building, cabins, and picnic shelters. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, “Today the Recreation Hall (Rec Hall) is the site for many reunions, weddings, and other special events.” The CCC transformed Swauger’s Lake into what is now New Germany Lake. Swauger’s Lake was used for powering a mill and making ice. The CCC drained the lake and cleared it out of logs & stumps, making it safe to swim in. It was then stocked with fish. Other work performed at New Germany State Park...

New Mexico School of Mines is now known as New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. "Like many institutions of higher learning in New Mexico, the New Mexico School of Mines, as NMIMT was known then, took advantage of the New Deal federal assistance programs (PWA and WPA) to add new buildings and remodel existing buildings on campus. One of the new buildings from that period, Fitch Hall, is a two and one-half story, masonry and stucco, California Mission Revival style building which was completed in 1937. It has been placed on the New Mexico State Register of Historic Buildings, #1461...

In the town of Pasadena, California, "the CCC put... young men to work quickly on projects such as the extension of New York Avenue (now called New York Drive) from Foothill Blvd (now Altadena Dr) to Sierra Madre Villa Rd."

The Newark-Pequannock Watershed is a 35,000 acre natural resource owned by the City of Newark New Jersey. “TRENTON—That it is possible for the boys of the New Jersey Civilian Conservation Corps camps to gain a varied experience and training is well illustrated by the activities of a single crew of Camp Pequannock, near Butler, that has been working on the Pequannock Watershed of the Newark Water Supply, near Newfoundland. During four months, this crew was employed in the following different types of work: Planting two, three and four-year old trees in abandoned fields and pastures… Constructing a small reservoir, laying pipe...

“The Newlands Project (originally the Carson Truckee Project) is considered Nevada’s greatest reclamation project. The Truckee-Carson Irrigation District has operated the irrigation system since 1926. By the 1930s, the Newlands Project needed to be enlarged and overhauled if Fallon Farmers were to stay in business. The bureau was also concerned with the efficiency of irrigation systems in the Pershing County Water Conservation District in Lovelock, the Washoe County Water Conservation District in Reno, and the Walker River Irrigation District in Yerington. By 1935, five Bureau of Reclamation CCC camps had been established to store water and enlarge and upgrade existing irrigation...

“The Newlands Project (originally the Carson Truckee Project) is considered Nevada’s greatest reclamation project. The Truckee-Carson Irrigation District has operated the irrigation system since 1926. By the 1930s, the Newlands Project needed to be enlarged and overhauled if Fallon Farmers were to stay in business. The bureau was also concerned with the efficiency of irrigation systems in the Pershing County Water Conservation District in Lovelock, the Washoe County Water Conservation District in Reno, and the Walker River Irrigation District in Yerington. By 1935, five Bureau of Reclamation CCC camps had been established to store water and enlarge and upgrade existing irrigation...

“The Newlands Project (originally the Carson Truckee Project) is considered Nevada’s greatest reclamation project. The Truckee-Carson Irrigation District has operated the irrigation system since 1926. By the 1930s, the Newlands Project needed to be enlarged and overhauled if Fallon Farmers were to stay in business. The bureau was also concerned with the efficiency of irrigation systems in the Pershing County Water Conservation District in Lovelock, the Washoe County Water Conservation District in Reno, and the Walker River Irrigation District in Yerington. By 1935, five Bureau of Reclamation CCC camps had been established to store water and enlarge and upgrade existing...

"Nichols Park is a municipal park developed between 1938 and 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the National Park Service (NPS). The park is located two miles south of downtown Henryetta in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma... Beginning in October 1938, the CCC constructed a handful of buildings, as well as a number of smaller resources including culverts, picnic tables, water faucets and fire pits in the park. With the 1910 dam on the west side, the CCC concentrated their construction efforts on the long sides of the lake with development occurring on nearly opposite sides of the lake... The...

From the Friends of Nickerson State Park website: “the Civilian Conservation Corps, (CCC) constructed the first roads, camping sites, parking and picnic areas near Flax Pond. CCC workers also planted 88,000 white pine hemlock and spruce trees.” Hathitrust.org: "Extensive developments were undertaken by the Civilian Conservation Corps before the park was opened to the public in 1937. Roads were laid out, forest trails cleared and marked, wells dug, shelters erected, tent floors laid, and parking areas cleared."

According to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, “Niobrara State Park opened to the public after work by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1934 and 1935.”

The Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.)'s Camp Graves operated between May 27, 1933 and April 22, 1936 at Nipmuck State Forest in Union, Connecticut. Among the C.C.C. accomplishments were "8 miles of truck trails" and "fire suppression on the Connecticut—Massachusetts border." Additional projects are linked to from this page.

"The Civilian Conservation Corps camp, F41A, was established at Noon Creek in the Pinaleño Mountains in 1933. The camp operated during the winter. The enrollees built the Noon Creek picnic area located at milepost 7.2 on the Swift Trail Road. Tables and grills have been replaced since then, but the paths, steps, and retaining walls remain unaltered. The Wet Canyon stone bridge and picnic area at milepost 9.8 were constructed in 1937. Enrollees also built roads, fences, and erosion control dams in the area. During the summer time the camp was relocated to Treasure Park for high-elevation work. A pamphlet...

The Norris Dam and reservoir were constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1933-1936. It was the TVA's first major project.  It was built in a "modernist style, which was controversial and advanced for the era of construction." In addition to the TVA work on the site, "The Civilian Conservation Corps built recreational facilities and aided in the removal of various structures. The town of Norris, Tennessee was initially built as a planned community to house the workers involved in the construction of this dam."   (wikipedia)

"Norris Dam State Park is a state park in Anderson County and Campbell County, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. The park is situated along the shores of Norris Lake, an impoundment of the Clinch River created by the completion of Norris Dam in 1936. The park consists of 4,038 acres (16.34 km2) managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The east section of Norris Dam State Park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a "demonstration recreational project" of the Tennessee Valley Authority. The CCC built a lodge, several rustic cabins, and an amphitheater. The...

In 1935, the New Deal helped to extend North Beaver street two blocks to connect with the entrance of the new Flagstaff Hospital in the northern part of the city, which opened in January 1936.  The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) at nearby Mt. Elden camp sent a crew to help city workers with the street job. The hospital has grown from a single story stone building to the large complex now known as the Flagstaff Medical Center, but the street entrance is still in the same place – though obviously repaved and probably widened over the years.

The Flood of 1927 brought many changes to Vermont, including the construction of several flood control dams built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC built one such dam at Wrightsville, in the northern part of Montpelier, Vermont and this project in turn required the relocation a cemetery in the effected area. The Great Depression provided the labor needed to do the job and some CCC workers became involved with the labor to move the cemetery. Construction on the Wrightsville Dam began in July 1933, and the Vermont Public Service Commission ruled the “remains of the dead…shall be removed by...

Multiple New Deal agencies worked to develop the North Chagrin Reservation outside Cleveland, Ohio. "Over the course of the 1930s the reservation was modernized with graded roads, permanent trails, sewage and water infrastructure, and shelter houses, much of this construction undertaken by federal and state public works programs. Between 1933 and 1937, workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps camp at neighboring Euclid Creek Reservation laid out miles of hiking and bridle trails in North Chagrin. Similar projects funded through the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, National Youth Administration, and WORK PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION included an enlarged trailside museum, picnic and parking areas, the...

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) conducted extensive development work in Grand Canyon National Park from 1933 to 1942. Among its trail development work, according to the National Park Service (NPS), the CCC "improved the main trails into the canyon, Bright Angel and Kaibab, and added trails in the inner canyon, as well. ... At the North Rim, CCC company 818 widened and improved the North Kaibab Trail." The North Kaibab Trail descends from the North Rim to Black Bridge over the Colorado River, at which point it becomes the the South Kaibab Trail, which ascends to the South Rim.

From 1934-1936 the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed North Lake Park, including Lake Garnett. "The project included a 48-acre (840 acre-feet) man-made lake with dam and spillway, a road, and the planting of over 300 cedar trees, lilac bushes, rose bushes and shrubs." Other construction included roads, plantings, two shelter houses, restrooms, a football stadium, and a swimming pool.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) conducted extensive development work in Grand Canyon National Park from 1933 to 1942.  This included development work on the Grand Canyon's North Rim. CCC Walking Tour: " Company 818 worked on the ... North Rim during the summer months. Projects completed included buildings, fences, and roads. The crews also helped fight forest fires when necessary." More detailed information on these developments and their survival is needed.

The New Deal provided the funds to build a large group of cottages for student housing – known as "Cottage City" – at what was then Arizona Teachers' College.   The Public Works Administration (PWA) made a grant of $57,900 and the state of Arizona added $20,000 to build 50 2-room cottages.  Construction was done in 1939 by 60 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollees (no doubt from the Mt. Elden camp).  The units were small at 25x14 feet, built with rock walls and cement floors, plus running water.  There were three additional buildings for laundry and showers. More cottages were added...

From the Journal of the Shaw Historical Library Editorial Committee: “The Notch Corral was built by the CCC in 1937 and has two circular stockade-like corrals connected by a center pen. On the way to the corral, you can see the ‘figure 4’ fence posts along the state line and old wooden poles used for telephone lines, and you will pass the ‘CCC Road.’ To reach Notch Corral, drive to Bonanza, go south on East Langell Valley Road for about 18 miles, then turn left on Willow Valley Road (gravel) and drive 9 miles to Notch Corral.”

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) laborers completed a barn in 1935. The barn is located in a clearing, surrounded by 60-year-old forest.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) laborers completed the custodian's cottage in 1936. The building is classified as parks rustic. Today the custodian's cottage is the property manger's residence.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed fire towers on steel frameworks to help protect the new plantings and existing forests. The fire tower at O'Bannon State Park was completed in 1937 by CCC laborers. The steel tower replaced a temporary, 55' wooden tower. The fire tower stands around 100' tall with 9 flights of stairs within the tower.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) laborers constructed a service building in 1935. The building is a series of connected sheds extended in a L shape. Today the service building is used as the park's office.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) laborers completed the shelter house in 1935. The structure is classified as parks rustic.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) laborers completed the shelter house that overlooks the Ohio River. The shelter is classified as parks rustic.

The campsite is marked primarily by low stone walls and scattered foundations. The camp was occupied in December of 1934 by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Co. 517, which was comprised of young African-American boys. Upon completion of their work, the camp was discontinued in the fall of 1937 and Co. 517 moved on to another location.

CCC and WPA crews constructed this football stadium for the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City. From the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Quarterly: "With the help of Works Project Administration (WPA) laborers and a $50,000 WPA grant, development continued from 1932 through 1936.* The Alumni Association raised the remaining funds to finish the field by contacting the school's 750 alumni through meetings held in 26 alumni regions around the country. With the successful fundraising drive, the $132,000 O'Harra Memorial Stadium was dedicated on September 16, 1938. Black Hills businesses and government agencies also provided valuable...

"One of Florida's first state parks, O'Leno was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The suspension bridge built by the CCC still spans the river. Visitors can picnic at one of the pavilions or fish in the river for their dinner." (www.floridastateparks.org)

This fire lookout tower was constructed as a New Deal project in 1941, potentially by the CCC. It is in reasonably good condition though it is no longer in use and the initial stair has been removed for safety reasons.

Crews from the nearby Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in Leeds, UT, built the road to Oak Grove and completed the Oak Grove Campground sometime between 1933 and 1942. The campground featured a tennis court, wading pool, and playground.