This quick and easy 4-stage multi-stage cache is a walking history lesson that will take you on a short stroll through the former CCC camp. Of course, if you really want to see, hear and learn some interesting stories about the CCC camp here and elsewhere, please visit the CCC Museum here at Pocahontas State Park; it is amazing. CCC Museum hours do vary based on seasons, but it's absolutely worth the visit. I hope you enjoy your quick hike through history.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
On October 29, 1929, a day forever remembered as “Black Tuesday,” the U.S. stock market crashed. The Great Depression had begun. Thousands lost their jobs. Banks and businesses failed and the ranks of the unemployed grew. Further aggravating the situation, a disastrous drought forced farmers to head to urban areas in search of work. By 1932, one out of four Americans was out of work. America’s social fabric began to deteriorate. Families broke apart as Americans migrated around the country in search of employment.
1932 was also the year the American people elected a new president by the name of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. During Roosevelt’s “First Hundred Days” in office, he enacted several pieces of legislation focused on economic recovery. One of those programs satisfied two of the President’s primary concerns: putting thousands of jobless young men to work and restoring the nation’s natural resources. Originally named Emergency Conservation Work, it was later renamed the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Over a nine-year period, the CCC put more than three million men to work restoring the nation’s forests and natural resources.
During its short lifetime, the CCC employed millions of young men who otherwise had little hope of feeding their families or gaining work experience, while also saving and preserving the nation’s valuable natural resources for future generations.
Virginia’s Original Six State Parks
On June 15, 1936, just 3 years after the CCC started its work, all 6 of the state parks in Virginia – Douthat, Westmoreland, Seashore, Hungry Mother, Fairy Stone, and Staunton River—were simultaneously opened to the public. Because it was closest to completion, Hungry Mother was chosen as the site for the dedication ceremonies. The 2-day affair was attended by state and local dignitaries. CCC Director Robert Fechner also attended, observing that “You have provided here in Virginia as fine a system of parks as can be found anywhere.”
In addition to building these 6 state parks, the CCC also provided assistance to the National Park Service in developing 2 recreational demonstration areas in Virginia: Swift Creek (which later became known as Pocahontas State Park) and Chopawamsic (which is still a property of the National Park Service but is now called Prince William Forest Park).
Pocahontas State Park Today
Today, approximately 200,000 visitors annually enjoy state park activities, which include a 17,500-square foot swimming complex built in 1981, fishing and boating facilities, hiking and biking trails, and picnic facilities. Pocahontas State Park still retains the largest number of CCC-built structures in the Virginia state park system.
The CCCache
Park at the posted coordinates and then be ready for a simple field puzzle that will start your adventure and lead you through the CCC camp that once resided on these grounds. While the CCC crew here built many structures and facilities throughout the park, the final is hidden within the confines of the original camp and can easily be reached by foot.
This cache is located within Pocahontas State Park and placed with permission of Park Management. Parking fees apply, day searching only, please CITO and Leave No Trace.