Near Fort Valley in Shenandoah County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Birthplace of the CCC
Camp Roosevelt, NF-1
The Army with Shovels. By 1933, the Great Depression had demoralized the nation. Millions of young men were unemployed and families were starving. On March 9, 1933 Franklin Delano Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Its purpose was twofold—conservation of our natural resources and salvage of our men.
The CCC-boys were part of the greatest single conservation movement in history. As they worked, they learned—and regained—the confidence of men doing a job.
The Roosevelt Administration mobilized this vast supply of willing manpower into what later became known as the “army with shovels.” The young men also became known as “Roosevelt’s boys,” as they still refer to themselves today.
You are standing at the center of the pioneer camp—the first of 1,643 CCC Camps established across the country. The foundations are the only visible reminders of this camp, but the memories and legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps remain standards of excellence for all time.
“We Can Take It!” After endless detours and truck breakdowns, the first contingent of the Civilian Conservation Corps slogged through the mud into the George Washington National Forest on April 17, 1933. Their first task was to clear the ground so that they could set up tents. It was here, in Camp Roosevelt that the defiant slogan, “We can take it!” was born.
Camp Roosevelt’s Legacy. The CCC accomplishments of Camp Roosevelt were many. The boys of NF-1 built and maintained the road through Fort Valley and the Crisman Hollow Road; constructed the popular Elizabeth Furnace, New Market Gap, and Little Fort Recreation Areas; and built Powell’s Fort Organization Camp. Woodstock Tower, with its view of the seven bends of the Shenandoah River, was a cooperative venture of the citizens of Woodstock and the CCC. They also planted trees and fought forest fires.
In 1966, this recreation area was dedicated was dedicated to the “boys of Roosevelt”—the men who helped shape the land conservation ethic we hold dear today.
Erected by the Lee Ranger District, George Washington National Forest.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Natural Resources • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and the Former U.S. Presidents: #32 Franklin D. Roosevelt series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1896.
Location. 38° 43.8′ N, 78° 31.02′ W. Marker is near Fort Valley, Virginia, in Shenandoah County. Marker can be reached from Camp Roosevelt Road (County Route 675) 10 miles east of U.S. 11, on the left when traveling east. Route 675 is Edinburg Gap Road at Route 11 and changes name about six miles up the mountain. On the left side of the road is a Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area - George Washington National Forest sign. Turn into the entrance of the recreation area. Marker is one of three about 20 yards past the entrance gate, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Valley VA 22652, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Robert Fechner Memorial Forest (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Mess Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Blacksmith Shop (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elk Run Meeting House (approx. 4.7 miles away); Corn Crib (approx. 4.8 miles away); Burner Barn (approx. 4.8 miles away); Bell House (approx. 4.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Valley.
Additional keywords. Civilian Conservation Corps, CCC, FDR, Franklin Roosevelt, Great Depression, 1930s, New Deal.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2007, by Franklin Bell of Bluemont, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,669 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on August 12, 2008, by Linda Walcroft of Woodstock, Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on December 27, 2007, by Franklin Bell of Bluemont, Virginia. 2. submitted on August 16, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on December 28, 2007, by Franklin Bell of Bluemont, Virginia. 4. submitted on May 23, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on December 28, 2007, by Franklin Bell of Bluemont, Virginia. 11, 12, 13. submitted on May 23, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.