Tiptonville in Lake County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Civilian Conservation Corps and Reelfoot Lake State Park
Side 1
Few men have the satisfaction of knowing they have made a contribution in their lifetime that will last through the ages and touch the lives of millions.
Men of the CCC know that, feeling well. The Civilian Conservation Corps was launched April 5, 1933, as a move to alleviate distress caused by unemployment through the establishment of a chain of camps where young men would work on forest and park conservation projects and soil erosion on farms. Under the management of Army personnel, they were paid $30 per month of which $25 was sent home. They also received housing, food, medical and dental care, as well as education benefits.
The young men of the CCC who served in this park and 76 other CCC Camps throughout Tennessee are part of the “CCC” legacy in Tennessee. We hope these historical monuments will promote among Tennesseans and the nation an understanding and appreciation for the work the CCC did and the philosophy of conserving our natural and cultural resources.
In our nine year existence, we labored to beautify your land and we pass it into your hands. The preservation of this country will remain strong as long as the flame of freedom is filled by creative thoughts and accomplishments and not smothered by negligence. If you and future generations see fit to raise voices in song of praise for us… we will consider this our reward.
to the honor and memory of
the three million members who served in
the Civilian Conservation Corps
1933-1942
Tennessee National Association of
Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni
(NACCCA)
(side 2)
Company 1453, Civilian Conservation Corps, (CCC), moved from Tellico Plains, Tennessee to Tiptonville, Tennessee, November 25, 1934. This company of approximately 200 enrollees was assigned here for the purpose of building a park around Reelfoot Lake. The work was under state and federal supervision with Mr. William B. Connelly as project superintendent.
The project started with a general cleanup of all dead trees, stumps, and clearing of vegetation which marred the view of the lake. The work included construction of a permanent supply system for the picnic areas, parking lots and general improvement of all the land around the lake. All of this required cutting and moving lumber for all buildings - some of it from the islands. This was used in the construction of some docks, park stands, keeper’s lodge, picnic shelters and check-in stations. This company completed the assigned projects and disbanded in 1938.
Erected 1989 by Tennessee National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list.
Location. 36° 21.792′ N, 89° 25.951′ W. Marker is in Tiptonville, Tennessee, in Lake County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of State Highway 21 and Lovell Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located within Reelfoot Lake State Park, along the walkway directly behind the Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2595 Tennessee Highway 21, Tiptonville TN 38079, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Reelfoot Lake (within shouting distance of this marker); General Clifton Bledsoe Cates (approx. ¼ mile away); Tiptonville Presbyterian Church (approx. 2.6 miles away); a different marker also named General Clifton Bledsoe Cates (approx. 3 miles away); Capture of Island No. 10 (approx. 3 miles away); Reelfoot — An Earthquake Lake (approx. 4.6 miles away); Confederate Burials (approx. 5½ miles away); Confederate Forts & Batteries (approx. 6.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tiptonville.
More about this marker. Marker is a 5-foot tall polished and engraved pink granite slab.
Also see . . . Civilian Conservation Corps, Company 1453 Tennessee TVA 46, Reelfoot Lake 1936. George was an active member of the CCC Corps in 1936. During WW II George served at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Georges next to youngest son, Jimmy said he thought the old picture was taken at Reel Foot Lake. This helped to indicate the Company he was enlisted in. (Submitted on December 29, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 234 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 29, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.