Civilian Conservation Corps — Historic Wind River

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was one of President Franklin Roosevelt’s programs to help Americans get through the Great Depression. Young men, typically 18-25, lived in camps and worked on conservation projects across the nation. The men were paid $30/month, $25 of which was sent home to their families. In this way, while the young men were learning work skills, they were also supporting their families and communities back home. One of the CCC camps was Camp Hemlock, located just across Trout Creek from the ranger station, at the earlier location of Wind River Lumber Company’s Camp 3.

In addition to a lot of work in the surrounding forests, these crews completed important projects right here at Wind River. They built the Training Center and Dormitory, Hemlock Dam on Trout Creek, the pole building in Martha Creek Field, and several residential structures along Chapman Avenue, including the District Ranger’s House. As you walk around Wind River, keep your eyes open for the iconic tree cutout motif that the crews added to many buildings. You will find at least five styles of the trees here. After the U.S. became involved in World War II, the CCC was disbanded in 1942, but its fingerprint is still visible at Wind River.