Madison Township in Jefferson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
"Works of a Public Nature"
The Civilian Conservation Corps in Indiana
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, July 25, 2025
1. "Works of a Public Nature" Marker
Following the 1929 stock market crash, almost 18 million people became unemployed. Two million became homeless. Newly elected Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented emergency measures, among them the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
"the President is authorized to provide for employing citizens of the United States who are unemployed, in the construction, maintenance and carrying on of works of a public nature "
Legislation creating the Civilian Conservation Corps Signed March 31, 1933
Building Our Parks and Reservoirs
The CCC was instrumental in furthering Indiana's fledgling state parks, reservoirs and forests. At the time, many properties were without basic infrastructure. Much of the land that became state property was severely eroded and treeless. The CCC built erosion controls, planted trees, and built roads and water systems.
Building Our Memories
The CCC constructed our most memorable structures. The shelter houses for our family reunions the overlooks where we contemplate the trails to that special place we visit year after year. We still enjoy the hard work and craftsmanship of young men of the
this page online
Photo captions:
The CCC provided employment, income and job training to unemployed men, aged 18 to 23. They were paid $30 monthly, $25 of which was sent directly to their needy families.
Almost 64,000 Hoosiers were assigned to CCC camps throughout the state. Enrollees received training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Food and supplies were distributed from Ft. Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis.
Map of Indiana - State Parks and Reservoirs with CCC Works
Erected by Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 31, 1933.
Location. 38° 44.643′ N, 85° 25.215′ W. Marker is near Madison, Indiana, in Jefferson County. It is in Madison Township. It can be reached from Cfp Canyon Road. This marker is along trail 1 a short distance from the nature center in Clifty Falls State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, July 25, 2025
2. "Works of a Public Nature" Marker in context
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, and in the Corn Belt. 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 and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Clifty Inn (approx. 0.2 miles away); IKE Clifty Creek Plant (approx. 0.2 miles away); History of Clifty Falls (approx. 0.4 miles away); Stacks of Power (approx. half a mile away); Where are the Deer? (approx. 0.6 miles away); Indiana State Parks (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Bats of Broughs Tunnel (approx. 1.3 miles away); Madison Hill Incline and Cut (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
More about this marker. Duplicates of this marker were placed at any Indiana state park or reservoir where the Civilian Conservation Corps built infrastructure.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2025, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. This page has been viewed 103 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2025, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
