Civilian Conservation Corps

CCC dinner line, basement level of the Chateau.

CCC Contributions to Oregon Caves National Monument

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, many Americans struggled to find employment to support their families. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, sworn in as President in 1933, responded with the New Deal, a series of programs aimed at economic recovery. These included initiatives still in place today, such as Social Security and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Another notable program was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), established in 1933, which provided work relief to young men through environmental and conservation projects.

The CCC workers were paid $30 per month, with $25 sent home to their families. As FDR said, “In creating this Civilian Conservation Corps we are killing two birds with one stone. We are clearly enhancing the value of our natural resources and second, we are relieving an appreciable amount of actual distress.”

One of the natural resources that benefited from the CCC's efforts was Oregon Caves National Monument. From 1934 to 1941, CCC workers focused on a variety of projects that enhanced the landscape and infrastructure of the Monument. While their work was largely outside the cave, they also made significant improvements inside, including the construction of the marble wall in the Ghost Room.

CCC Projects at Oregon Caves

• Inside the Caves: The CCC improved the tour route by constructing stairs, removing rocks (referred to as "headache" rocks), and building the Connecting Tunnel to allow easier access to the deeper areas of the cave.

• Outside the Caves: Projects included telephone line construction, repairs to Caves Highway (Hwy 46), and the construction of entrance signs, picnic areas, rock retaining walls, and campfire circle masonry work. The CCC also contributed to tree planting and landscaping in developed areas of the park.

• Around the Monument: The CCC helped maintain trails and repaired popular hiking routes such as Big Tree, Cliff Nature, No Name, and Exit Trail.

The CCC’s hard work at Oregon Caves helped shape the park’s infrastructure and visitor experience. Their contributions continue to be appreciated by all who visit the park today.