Civilian Conservation Corps at Garner State Park
Concan, Uvalde County, Texas
Marker Inscription
During the Great Depression, the Emergency Conversation Work At created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and produced lasting landscape and construction projects across the U.S. Through the program, millions of young men obtained meaningful employment and training. The military-style discipline and order they experienced served many of them well during World War II. CCC Company 879 began its work at Camp SP-42-T (Garner State Park) in April 1935. During the first phase of development (1935-37), construction included the main entrance portal and road, and the keeper's lodge. In 1937, the CCC began construction on the heart of the new park, the combination building, known as the Pavilion, and a dance floor, on a high bluff near the Frio River. The building architecture, known as NPS (National Park Service) Rustic, utilized native limestone and wood in its detailing. The second work phase (1938-39) focused on finalizing the master plan, and constructing cabins and a stone overlook near the Pavilion. The third phase (1940-41) concentrated on preserving and enhancing the landscape's natural look. In April 1941, as American neared entry into World War II, work here came to a close. Local and state representatives officially dedicated garner State Park on June 1, 1941. Since then, it has attracted countless visitors to experience unique vistas, historical architecture and abundant outdoor activities. Today, the cultural landscape recalls the perseverance and hard work of young men who participated in one of the nation's most successful federal programs, the CCC, which reclaimed both land and lives while providing hope. (2007)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps put millions of young men to meaningful work, and Company 879 arrived at the future Garner State Park in April 1935. Over three phases of construction they built the entrance portal and road, the keeper's lodge, cabins, a stone overlook, and—at the park's heart—the Pavilion and dance floor, all in the native-limestone-and-wood 'NPS Rustic' style perched above the Frio River. Work closed in April 1941 as the nation neared entry into World War II, and the park was dedicated that June; the discipline of CCC life would serve many of these men in the war to come.
Why it matters
Garner State Park is a lasting monument to the CCC, one of the New Deal's most successful programs, which reclaimed both landscapes and young lives while building public spaces Americans still enjoy.
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Related events
- · Civilian Conservation Corps — Company 879
- · Great Depression
Themes & tags
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