The Civilian Conservation Corps and Pickwick Landing State Park

The Civilian Conservation Corps and Pickwick Landing State Park. . Few men have the satisfaction of knowing they have made a contribution in their lifetime that will last through the ages and touch the lives of the millions., Men of the CCC know that feeling well. The Civilian Conservation Corps was launched April 5, 1933, as a way to alleviate distress caused by unemployment through the establishment of a chain of camps where young men would work on forest and park conservation projects and soil erosion on farms, under the management of army personnel. They were paid $30 per month of which $25 was sent home. They also received housing, food, medical and dental care as well as educational benefits. , The young men of the CCC who served in this park and 26 other CCC camps throughout Tennessee are part of the "CCC” legacy in Tennessee. We hope these historical monuments will promote among Tennesseeans and the nation an understanding and appreciation for the work the CCC did and the philosophy of conserving our natural and cultural resources., In our nine year existence, we laboured to beautify your land and we pass to your hands. The preservation of this country will remain strong as long as the flame of freedom is filled by creative thoughts and accomplishments and not smothered by negligence. If you and future generations sees fit to raise voices in song of praise for us. We will consider this our reward., Dedicated Nov 18, 1989 to the honor and memory of the three million members who served in the Civilian Conservation Corp 1933 - 1942, Tennessee National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni (NACCCA), Reverse Side , A junior Colored CCC company, 3459, TVA-P-N, was located twenty-one miles northeast of Corinth, Mississippi., In July, 1935, twenty-three Colored enrollees were organized into an advance cadre at Fort Oglethorpe, GA, and sent to Counce, TN, forming Co. 3459, which bears the name of Paul Lawrence Dunbar, being one of the foremost Colored poets of modern times. , The detachment under the command of Lt. Leland T. Rogers, arrived at the camp location mid-July and was increased July 24, 1935, to 176 enrollees coming from Chattanooga and Memphis., In Pickwich Dam Park, the CCC built trails, overnight cabins, trailside shelters, guard rails and stone walls. They also installed drinking fountains and stone marker at appropriate spots within the park.