Near Buffalo Gap in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Civilian Conservation Corps at Abilene State Park
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 29, 2014
1. The Civilian Conservation Corps at Abilene State Park Marker
Company No. 1823, one of the companies comprised entirely of World War I veterans, was assigned to the Taylor County site. Using the design of Abilene architect David Castle, the men constructed a refectory in addition to roads, picnic areas and a swimming pool with native sandstone as the primary building material. Abilene Mayor C.L. Johnson declared it “a beautiful spot of great recreational benefit” at the opening ceremony on May 10, 1934, during which State Parks Board Chairman D.E. Colp formally dedicated the new state park.
In 1935 a reactivated CCC Company No. 1823, comprised of African American veterans, returned to Abilene State Park for additional work. They built culverts, a water tower and latrines, and undertook some road and stonework repairs before moving on to Kerrville.
The work of the Civilian Conservation Corps is still visible at Abilene State Park, one of the more than 50 public parks in Texas that benefited from labor
this page online
Erected 2001 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12511.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1914.
Location. 32° 14.318′ N, 99° 52.844′ W. Marker is near Buffalo Gap, Texas, in Taylor County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Park Road 32 and Farm to Market Road 89. Marker is located in Abilene State Park; the above directions are to the park entrance. To reach the marker after entering the park, turn right at the first road and at the end of the road turn right to the parking lot. Marker is located north of the 1934 park center building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tuscola TX 79562, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Buffalo Gap Cemetery (approx. 2½ miles away); Buffalo Gap College (approx. 4.3 miles away); Town of Buffalo Gap (approx. 4.3 miles away); Vicinity of Indian Fight (approx. 4.3 miles away); The Ernie Wilson Museum (approx. 4½ miles away); Taylor County (approx. 4½ miles away); Jim Ned Creek
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 29, 2014
2. The Civilian Conservation Corps at Abilene State Park Marker
More about this marker. Marker is located in Abilene State Park; an entrance fee may be required.
Also see . . .
1. Interpretive Guide to Abilene State Park. Includes a section on the history of the CCC in the park. (Submitted on December 2, 2014.)
2. Civilian Conservation Corps in Texas. From the Texas State Historical Association's "Texas Almanac". (Submitted on December 2, 2014.)
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 29, 2014
3. 1934 Park Center Building
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 29, 2014
4. The Civilian Conservation Corps at Abilene State Park Marker
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 29, 2014
5. Marker Across from the 1934 Park Center Building
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 29, 2014
6. East Side of 1934 Park Center Building
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 573 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 2, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
