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Department of Parks
Impact of CCC on Kentucky Featured in Recent Release
FRANKFORT, Ky.-- Columbus Belmont State Park hosts author Connie M. Huddleston for a discussion and book signing of her latest release, Kentucky’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) at the park convention center on Sunday, June 27. The free program begins at 4 p.m. followed by the book signing and refreshments.
The second in her CCC books, this version is specific to Kentucky with an array of pictures that show the many locations that grew during the program. The corps provided work relief for unemployed men between the ages of 18 and 24 between the Great Depression years of 1933 to 1942. Many trails, buildings and other facilities that today make up Kentucky State Parks were developed during the years of the program. The CCC is credited with generating more awareness and appreciation for the nation’s natural resources and creating the foundation for many state parks systems. The workers were invaluable to the success of Columbus-Belmont State Park, which includes more than 1,500 acres and displays the huge anchor that was used by Confederate troops to block Union gunboat passage on the adjacent Mississippi River. It provided work for a segment of society that had a difficult time finding jobs due to the Great Depression. Surviving participants in the program have met at Pine Mountain State Resort Park for reunions.
Copies of Huddleston’s book will be available for purchase and she’ll be there to sign. Attendees will receive a discount coupon good at the snack bar or come early and picnic on the grounds, let the kids loose on the playground, hit a round of miniature golf and shop the gift shop.
Huddleston, an Owensboro native, historian and preservation consultant, owns Interpreting Time’s Past, LLC, in Marietta, Georgia, which specializes in historic site interpretation and exhibit design. Her research and the 75th anniversary of the CCC led her to write about the relief program in Kentucky.
For additional information about the program, call the park at 270-677-2327.
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Kentucky State Parks are made up of 51 state parks plus one that is shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 52 parks with lodges, campgrounds, swimming and restaurants. Each year, Kentucky parks draw millions of visitors and generate hundreds of millions for Kentucky’s economy but admission and parking are always free.
For more information about amenities, events and other aspects of KySP, visit the web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov
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