CCC at Colorado National Monument

The work on Rim Rock Drive had started in 1930 due to an influx of federal funding and local relief funding to ease unemployment. The work was done by residents of Grand Junction and other communities in the valley. Annually funds were needed to continue work on the road. By 1933, the combination of additional visitation to the park, portions of the road being finished, and the impact the work had on local unemployment helped to convince national representatives to bring the CCC to the monument.

National Monument was one of the first parks to take advantage of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The executive order was signed on April 5, 1933, and men were at the monument setting up the first of three camps on May 21, 1933.

Camp Life

Typically, men enrolled for a six-month period. They were organized into companies of about 200 men. These companies were then sent to camps scattered throughout the country, administered by the War Department. The men working at Colorado National Monument lived in one or more of 4 camps. The use of the camps changed over the 8 years and some companies used more than one camp during their six months.

Camps were usually made up of barracks, offices, mess halls, and an infirmary. Several of the monument camps also included a library and recreation facilities. Education opportunities were an added bonus for many who joined the CCC. In fact, many completed their high school education while serving. Leadership advancement positions with an increase in pay were also offered to hard-workers.

Source: National Park Service

 

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