In celebration of 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to attend a weekend at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center on Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2.
The Great Depression caused stress and desperation among thousands of Americans as the economy fell apart, shattering family stability and throwing thousands out of work. Jobs were scarce and, unable to find work; tens of thousands of young men took to the roads and rails looking for work and adventure. Between 1933 and the outbreak of World War II, the CCC gave 2.5 million of these young, single men a job, an education, and a new hope for the future. In their wake, these young men transformed the nation’s parks and left a legacy that visitors still enjoy today, officials said.
Volunteers will be portraying the men of the “Tree Army” to hear how they worked to rebuild a nation from the economic disaster of the Great Depression. Living history volunteers will portray the men of the CCC, speaking with visitors throughout the weekend. Thirty minute ranger programs will be presented on Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706.866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 821-7786, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch.