Relief, Recreation, Racism: Civilian Conservation Corps Creates South Carolina State Parks, 1933–1942

In the literature dealing with the Civilian Conservation Corps, South Carolina does not figure prominently in most histories of the Great Depression story. That neglect should be corrected It is important to recognize the ways in which racism has permeated our society, sometimes blatant and sometimes subtle. While the focus is South Carolina, the particulars are representative of what happened in CCC camps across the nation. As one of the most popular facets of President Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal, the activities and antics of the CCC boys deserve attention. My primary purpose in writing this book is to assist teachers and librarians and their upper level elementary and high school students in understanding this crucial but understudied era in South Carolinas history. These readers and a more general South Carolina audience could identify with a nearby place or make a family connection.

Dr. Waller is an Emeritus Professor of History with service at the University of Illinois Urbana, Clemson University in South Carolina, and The Villages College locally. Three previous articles on the subject of the Civilian Conservation Corps in South Carolina State Parks culminate in this work focusing on the themes of relief, recreation, and racism in creating 17 state parks. Referencing people and places in South Carolina makes the volume easy to use by teachers and librarians in guiding students and other interested readers to materials germane to family or local histories. It is important to retain the CCC legacy not just in the remaining buildings but in the spirit of the New Deal project. While the setting is South Carolina, the experiences and stories have appli-cability across the nation as the boys built 711 state parks to conserve the environment and enrich the lives of the people.