The CCC Worker Statue™ at Versailles State Park

/ Roadtirementvintage

We never know what we’re going to find when we head out for a daytrip or longer time on the road. Our last day trip was no different. We expected the covered bridges, and even the country cemeteries and churches were no real surprise. What was a surprise was what greeted us as we pulled into the offices of Versailles State Park in Versailles, Indiana.

He has his axe and is ready for work

Very handsome bronze statue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This statue represents and honors the men who worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps that operated from 1933 to 1942. President Roosevelt started the program to provide not only conservation projects but also to provide jobs during the Great Depression years. A CCC workforce performed many forestry and conservation projects at Versailles State Park.

The plaque on the statue base

There are actually over 75 of these statues around the country in various locations that utilized CCC work forces. We strongly recommend the CCC Legacy website. It has the fascinating and frankly complex story of the CCC and it’s good and bad times. It is worth your time to take a look if you like history.

 

25 thoughts on “The CCC Worker Statue™ at Versailles State Park”

  1. Great reminder. A friend’s father, a history teacher named Harley Jolley wrote a great book on the CCC. Here is a link:

    Here in NC, we come across some of the CCC camps that housed the workers. Many have been repurposed, but some still remain. FDR got this right when he established the CCC.

    Keith

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  2. The CCC and WPA were interesting projects. A lot of great photos came out of the WPA. The levees along the Rio Grande were build between 1936 and 1942 as part of the Rio Grande Canalization project. I can’t say if it was part of the CCC or WPA. The Canalization was for flood control and providing equitable water distribution between the USA and Mexico.

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    • The work on the Rio Grande was done by the Army Corps of Engineers, but they used New Deal funds such as the National Industrial Recovery Act, PWA, WPA, and partnering with CCC. It could have been either or both agencies. They also hired relief workers.

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      • Thanks, Suzassippi. People are surrised by how wimpy the Rio Grande is these days. But back before the flood control, the Rio would wipe out towns like San Marcial when it flooded.

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  6. The CCC built a bridge in Tempe, AZ. During a 100-year flood, in the 70s, every bridge in the Valley was wiped out, including the freeways except that one. It was the only way across the Salt River. The following year was another 100-year flood when it stood again though a few others also managed to hold to their moorings.

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  8. I didn’t know there were statues. That’s so awesome. There are some places around here that the CCC built that I love going to. I love this post. Thank you for the link. I hadn’t heard of that website.

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  11. I’ve traveled the US and one of the things my hubby and I did was check out all the historical markers we could fine on our route (we took different routes). It was great fun and I really wish I could have studied the CCC more – Actually, as old history major and forever history buff I only come across it once in awhile in my reading – so thanks! This is great1.

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