Civilian Conservation Corps—One of the Most Successful Public Works Programs Ever

Media
Jul 13
1 min read

3 Million unemployed young men were put to work building America's parks

When the Great Depression left millions of Americans unemployed, President Franklin D. Roosevelt responded by creating the Civilian Conservation Corps. Instead of handing out relief alone, the government put young men to work improving the country's public lands.

Over the next nine years, more than three million men planted billions of trees, built roads, trails, bridges, campgrounds, and park facilities across the nation. They earned just $30 a month, but most of it was sent home to support their families.

Nearly a century later, many of the places they built are still enjoyed by millions of Americans, making the CCC one of the most successful public works programs in U.S. history.