Civilian Conservation Corps

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I would be remiss in my blogging about this road trip if I did not give a shout out to the Civilian Conservation Corps, a work relief program that gave millions of young men employment on environmental projects during the Great Depression. Considered by many to be one of the most successful of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, the CCC constructed trails and shelters in more than 800 parks nationwide during its nine years of existence. The CCC was discontinued in 1942.

Thanks to the CCC, I was able to enjoy and use following park features, all of which were constructed by the CCC:
  • Cactus Forest Drive in Saguaro National Park, Rincon Mountains Unit
  • roads and trails in Chiricahua National Monument
  • park buildings in White Sands National Monument
  • roads and park buildings in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
  • Chisos Basin Road in Big Bend National Park
  • Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park
Mid-1940's aerial view of the Chisos Basin of Big Bend National Park, showing the road system built by the CCC
CCC camp in what is now the Chisos Basin where the Lodge and visitor center and cottages are located






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