Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

Historical marker location:
Talihina, Oklahoma
( Marker can be reached from Talimena National Scenic Byway (Highway 1) 11 miles west of U.S. 259.)

A Legacy of Recovery

  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.

Oklahoma is such a great place for young players.
Scott Brooks in Interview with The Oklahoman
Le Flore County, Oklahoma, named after a prominent Choctaw family, has a rich and varied history. Before European settlement, the area was home to several Native American tribes, including the Choctaw, Cherokee, and Osage. Le Flore County was part of the expansive Choctaw Nation until the mid-19th century, when land treaties and the Indian Removal Act forced the Native American tribes to cede their land to the United States government.

The area's first European settlers arrived in the 1830s, primarily as a result of the forced removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands. It wasn't until the late 1800s that Le Flore County experienced significant growth and development, thanks in large part to the arrival of railroads. The Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad (later the Kansas City Southern) brought new opportunities and access to markets, spurring the growth of towns like Poteau, Spiro, and Wister.

Le Flore County played a significant role in the expansion of coal mining in Oklahoma. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coal mines were established throughout the county, attracting workers from across the region. The coal industry brought economic prosperity to the area and helped fuel the development of nearby towns.

In the modern era, Le Flore County has diversified its economy beyond mining. Agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism have become important industries. With its abundant natural beauty, including the Ouachita Mountains and the scenic Talimena Scenic Byway, the county has attracted visitors seeking outdoor recreation and relaxation. Today, Le Flore County continues to embrace its historical roots while striving for a prosperous and sustainable future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Le Flore County, Oklahoma.

  • 1824 - Le Flore County area becomes part of Arkansas Territory
  • 1832 - Choctaw Nation establishes jurisdiction over the area
  • 1834 - Bennington becomes the first settlement in the area
  • 1860 - Civil War begins, impacting the region
  • 1870 - Le Flore County is officially formed, named after a Choctaw chief
  • 1900 - Railroad reaches the area, aiding growth and development
  • 1930 - Great Depression causes economic struggles for the county
  • 1941 - United States enters World War II, affecting the county
  • 1948 - Wister Lake and Dam completed, providing recreational opportunities
  • 1973 - Kiamichi Mountains Wildlife Management Area established
  • 1996 - Poteau River Bridge, a historic landmark, is added to the National Register of Historic Places