Impact of CCC

Saratoga Battlefield, a New York State historic site since 1927, was designated Saratoga National Historical Park in 1938, and by 1939 the CCC was sent in to perform grueling physical labor (including shoveling shale rock and digging trenches) while also conducting archaeological digs, developing maps, new roads, and offering site interpretation for visitors. FDR was involved in the planning of the park’s Visitor Center and the preservation of its two captured British cannons (that visitors can still see there today).

In 1941, the NPS formally assumed complete ownership and management of the site. With the onset of World War II, there were other employment opportunities, changes in public opinion, and a lack of funding, resulting in an increasing number of desertions. The camp was disbanded by the Spring of 1942.

The CCC’s efforts continue to enrich the lives of many Americans. For more information, visit www.ccclegacy.org or find them at facebook.com/groups/ccclegacygroup

Contributions to this piece were provided by Martin Podskoch, an author, historian, and East Hampton, CT resident recognized for his extensive work documenting the history of the Catskills, Adirondack Fire Towers, and the Civilian Conservation Corps camps.

He is a CCC Legacy Board Member and author of Adirondack Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: History, Memories & Legacy of the CCC, and two other books on the Connecticut and Rhode Island CCCs. He is also the author of the best-selling travel guide, The Adirondack 102 Club: Your Passport & Guide to the North Country.

Podskoch will be presenting the CCC 90th Anniversary, Its History & Legacy in the Adirondacks & Saratoga on Wed, Oct. 18th, 12 noon, at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs.

Find his books on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, and at martinpodskoch.com.