92nd Anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps

On Saturday, July 12, Shiloh National Military Park will honor the 92nd anniversary of the founding of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) with special tours and a temporary museum exhibit that highlights the invaluable contributions of the CCC and the men of Companies #2425 and #2423.

Established under President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression, the CCC employed millions of young men in environmental conservation efforts across the country, significantly impacting landscapes and communities. Shiloh and Corinth, along with their neighboring areas, were notably influenced by the work of Companies #2425 and #2423, which primarily consisted of African American World War I veterans.

Company #2425, formed at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, on June 27, 1933, made its home at Shiloh, constructing Camp Young in honor of General Charles Young, and remained there for eight years. The company’s remarkable efforts included the enhancement of park roads, the construction of erosion control dams and bridges, the erection of stone walls, the planting of thousands of trees, and support for flood victims in 1937.

To celebrate this legacy, Education Specialist Matt McMillen will lead two hybrid driving and walking tours that will delve into the significant works completed by the CCC at Shiloh and the camp area.

Tour Details:

First Tour: Departing from the visitor center at 8:00 a.m., concluding around 10:30 a.m.

Second Tour: Departing from the visitor center at 1:00 p.m., concluding around 3:30 p.m.

Each tour is limited to ten vehicles; pre-registration is required.

Participants can expect approximately 15 miles of driving and two miles of walking over moderate terrain.

Additionally, a temporary museum exhibit will be unveiled, showcasing the CCC’s contributions to Shiloh National Military Park and the surrounding communities. This exhibit will be on display for the entire month of July.

“This unique tour is a way to recognize and honor the often-overlooked contributions of the CCC and the men of Company #2425,” said McMillen. “Their hard work and dedication not only shaped the landscape of Shiloh National Military Park but also left a lasting legacy that deserves to be remembered.”

Fee Information

FREE