Masontown in Monongalia County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
The CCC: Creating a Lasting Monument to Conservation
From 1933-1942, the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) helped lift America out of the Great Depression through hard work and ingenuity. They helped develop and restore our recreation areas and natural resources for the benefit of us all. Although the CCC only operated for nine years, their contributions here and elsewhere remain as a testament to their conservation service. The next time you visit another park or forest, look for their handiwork!
Constructing the Heart of Coopers Rock S.F.
Thanks to the CCC, we can stand at the overlook and enjoy the natural beauty of Coopers Rock State Forest. Take a moment to imagine the backbreaking labor needed to build the bridge to the overlook, carve out the stone steps and construct these stone and wood railings. Starting here in 1936, these hardworking men living at Camp Rhododendren built eleven structures which are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sacrifices and Achievement
Participation in the CCC demanded sacrifices. Most were unemployed and unmarried young men from poor families. They left home to live in CCC camps around the country. On top of the hard work, they often went to educational classes and received job training at night. They were paid $30 a month (about $500 today), and $25 was sent home to help their families.
Erected by West Virginia State Parks and Forests.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and the National Register of Historic Places series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.
Location. 39° 38.234′ N, 79° 48.913′ W. Marker is in Masontown, West Virginia, in Monongalia County. Marker is on Coopers Rock Road, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located in Coopers Rock State Forest. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Masontown WV 26542, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Salt Sand (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fueling a Community: The Henry Clay Iron Furnace (approx. 0.8 miles away); Henry Clay Iron Furnace (approx. 0.8 miles away); Henry Clay Furnace (approx. 1.2 miles away); Clean Water Comes To Morgantown (approx. 2.7 miles away); A Small Dam and a Big "Bowl" Meet the Need for Clean Water (approx. 2.7 miles away); Prehistoric Garden (approx. 2.8 miles away); Strong Men and Horses Build the Basin (approx. 2.8 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Coopers Rock State Forest. (Submitted on October 24, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
2. Civilian Conservation Corps. (Submitted on October 24, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 315 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 24, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 3. submitted on September 21, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 24, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.