Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps

Historical marker location:
Townsend, Tennessee
( Marker is on Cades Cove Loop Road, on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 2008

  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.

I love Tennessee, but they don't know about all that redneck stuff I did.
Johnny Majors in Knoxville News Sentinel
Blount County, located in eastern Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Cherokee people, who called it "Tanasi." In the late 18th century, European settlers began arriving in the region, and the county was formed in 1795, named after Governor William Blount.

During the early years of its establishment, Blount County played a significant role in the expansion and development of Tennessee. It became a crucial center for trade and commerce, thanks to its location along important trade routes like the Old Federal Road and the Tennessee River. The county also played a role in the War of 1812, with significant military activity taking place near present-day Maryville.

In the mid-19th century, Blount County experienced growth and prosperity, with the implementation of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad. This allowed for increased access to markets and furthered the agricultural and industrial development of the county. The town of Maryville, the county seat, became a hub for commerce, education, and culture.

Blount County's history is also intertwined with the Civil War. While the county remained predominantly pro-Union during the war, it saw significant military action due to its strategic location. Battle of Maryville and Battle of Campbell's Station were fought within its borders. After the war, Blount County saw a period of rebuilding and recovery, and today it remains a thriving hub of industry, education, and natural beauty.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Blount County, Tennessee.

  • 1795 - Blount County, TN is established
  • 1801 - The town of Maryville is established as the county seat
  • 1818 - The Hiwassee Purchase Treaty opens up the area for settlement
  • 1820 - The Old Stone Presbyterian Church is built in Maryville
  • 1825 - The Little Tennessee River Navigation Company is chartered to improve transportation
  • 1833 - The county courthouse is constructed in Maryville
  • 1857 - The Knoxville and Charleston Railroad reaches Maryville
  • 1861-1865 - Blount County suffers from the American Civil War
  • 1870 - The Knoxville and Ohio Railroad is completed in the county
  • 1933 - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, partly in Blount County
  • 1942-1945 - The nearby Alcoa aluminum plant plays a key role in World War II
  • 1982 - The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is founded in Townsend