Fort Valley in Shenandoah County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Robert Fechner Memorial Forest
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, May 12, 2013
1. Robert Fechner Memorial Forest Marker
In March 1933, newly elected, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt faced national unemployment of 25%. Working quickly, Congress passed the Emergency Conservation Work legislation on March 31, 1933. One of the programs created from his legislation would later be called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This organization would work "to preserve our precious natural resources and, even more important, as a moral and spiritual boon to needy young Americans..." (FDR, 1933)
President Roosevelt chose Robert Fechner, an experienced and respected labor leader to organize and run this first new Deal Agency. Though Mr. Fechner knew little about conservation, his work in labor and industrial management provided him the administrative skills needed for his new position. His reputation for fairness, tact and patience greatly impressed President Roosevelt.
Under
this page online
In 1940, the Forest Service proposed that the Massanuttan Unit including Camp Roosevelt, be established as a monument to honor the work of Robert Fechner.
The Secretary of Agriculture agreed and recommended that the Massanutten Unit be designated as the Robert Fechner Memorial Forest.
On February 5, 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt proclaimed this by Executive order No. 86731.
Erected by US Forest Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions • Man-Made Features. 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 February 1862.
Location. 38° 43.807′ N, 78° 31.042′ W. Marker is in Fort Valley, Virginia, in Shenandoah County. It can be reached from Camp Roosevelt Road
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, May 12, 2013
2. Robert Fechner Memorial Forest Marker
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. 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 the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Camp Barracks (a few steps from this marker); Birthplace of the CCC (within shouting distance of this marker); Mess Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Pump House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blacksmith Shop (about 400 feet away); Elk Run Meeting House
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, May 12, 2013
3. Robert Fechner
Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, May 12, 2013
4. Inspection
CCC Director Robert Fechner, standing right, joined Camp Roosevelt, NF-1 Camp Commander, Captain Henry B. Wilkinson in an inspection of America's first CCC camp on May 16, 1933, Close-up of photo on marker
(Civilian Conservation Corps Legacy)
(Civilian Conservation Corps Legacy)
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, May 12, 2013
5. The Spade is Mightier Than the Sword
"The spade is mightier than the sword and a better weapon." Robert Fechner, Director,Civilian Conservation Corps February 6, 1939, Time Magazine.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, May 12, 2013
6. US Forest Service, Department of Agriculture
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 30, 2023
7. Robert Fechner Memorial Plaque
1876-1939
Director, CCC
1933-1939
Marker is located at Herrington Manor State Park, Oakland, Maryland.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 943 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 24, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 7. submitted on September 30, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
