The Great Smoky Mountains National Park played a crucial role during the Great Depression, particularly through the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This blog post will explore the park’s development, the impact of the CCC, and the economic and social implications of the Great Depression on the region.
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Smoky Mountains
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a federal work project established in 1933 to provide employment and conservation work during the Great Depression. The CCC played a significant role in the development of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Establishment and Purpose of the CCC
The CCC was open to young men between the ages of 18 and 28 who were unable to find employment for at least two months and could not receive comparable training or education from their families. Enrollees received a monthly salary of $30, as well as food, clothing, shelter, education, vocational training, and health care.
CCC’s Work in the Smoky Mountains
The CCC performed a variety of conservation activities in the Great Smoky Mountains, including reforestation, road construction, and agricultural management. They built roads, bridges, hiking trails, and campgrounds, such as Newfound Gap Road, footbridges, and the water system at Newfound Gap. The CCC’s work in the park continued until World War II, when the camps were abandoned due to the diversion of funds to the war effort.
Impact of the Great Depression on the Park
The Great Depression had a significant impact on the establishment and development of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Establishment of the Park
Despite the onset of the Great Depression in 1929, the park’s establishment continued. In 1934, the two states (Tennessee and North Carolina) donated 300,000 acres of land, and another 150,000 acres were purchased from local residents, with funds raised by state legislatures and ordinary citizens, including school children who collected $10 million.
Park Development
The CCC’s work in the park was crucial for its development during the Great Depression. They built roads, bridges, trails, and other infrastructure that helped to make the park more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.
Historic Structures
The park’s historic structures, landscapes, and artifacts were protected and preserved, including those built by the CCC, such as the four-arch Elkmont Bridge and White Rock Tower.
Economic and Social Implications
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the CCC’s activities had a significant impact on the local economy and communities during the Great Depression.
Job Creation
The CCC provided jobs for young men who were out of work during the Great Depression, helping to alleviate some of the economic hardship.
Local Communities
The park’s development and the CCC’s activities had a positive impact on local communities, as they provided employment opportunities and helped to preserve the natural resources of the area.
Key Statistics and Figures
- 300,000 acres of land were donated by the two states in 1934.
- 150,000 acres of land were purchased from local residents, with funds raised by state legislatures and ordinary citizens, including school children who collected $10 million.
- There were about 22 CCC camps in the Great Smoky Mountains, employing around 4,000 men.
- CCC enrollees received $30 a month.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s role during the Great Depression was crucial, as the Civilian Conservation Corps played a vital role in the park’s development and the preservation of its natural resources. The economic and social implications of the CCC’s work in the region were significant, providing much-needed employment and supporting local communities during a challenging time.
References:
– Seeing Through the Smoke: The Story of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
– Civilian Conservation Corps in the Smoky Mountains
– History and Culture of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park