Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
The CCC Building Parks for America
Sesquicentennial State Park
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
1. The CCC Building Parks for America Marker
Strengthen America by employing citizens to improve local infrastructure. That concept inspired President Franklin Roosevelt's Depression-era economic recovery program, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
In its nine years, this effort gave jobs to three million men nationwide. They planted trees more than 56 million in South Carolina alone constructed roads, battled forest fires, and created parks.
With no state parks, many South Carolinians had no opportunity for recreation in nature. Beginning with Cheraw State Park in 1934, the CCC developed 16 South Carolina parks, including this one. "Sesqui," as this park is often called, was one of the earliest state parks established in South Carolina and opened in June 1940.
(captions)
Generations have enjoyed the park that the CCC created including the once popular swimming area.
Today's visitors can still enjoy the craftsmanship the CCC left behind. Look for the green and yellow seal that identifies structures built by the CCC throughout the park.
Company 4469 was stationed at Camp P-71 just a few miles from the park near Pontiac, South Carolina.
Once the land was deeded to the state in 1937 the CCC began work building facilities including a lake, boathouse, picnic shelters and a caretaker's residence.
Erected by South
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1940.
Location. 34° 5.182′ N, 80° 54.394′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It can be reached from Two Notch Road 0.2 miles north of North Chelsea Road, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located within Sesquicentennial State Park in front of the Sesqui-Centennial State Park Marker. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9564 Two Notch Road, Columbia SC 29223, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
2. The CCC Building Parks Parks for America Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sesqui-Centennial State Park (a few steps from this marker); Controversial Concrete (a few steps from this marker); Challenging Park Segregation (within shouting distance of this marker); Hewn by Hand for the Ages (approx. 0.3 miles away); Camp Johnson (approx. 3 miles away); Dentsville School (approx. 3.2 miles away); Killian School (approx. 3.9 miles away); In Memory of the John H. Rose Family (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Early Summer Resorts (was approx. 1.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . .
1. The Civilian Conservation Corps. (Submitted on May 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. The CCC Parks. (Submitted on May 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
3. Sesquicentennial State Park. (Submitted on May 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 138 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
