Civilian Conservation Corps: Transforming Lives and Landscapes (1935)

This 1935 silent film, produced by the Department of Defense, documents the transformative impact of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. Reel 1 begins with scenes of unemployed youths on street corners, followed by President Roosevelt signing the CCC bill. It then shows recruits arriving at Army processing centers, receiving uniforms, and traveling to camps where they pitch tents and construct buildings. Reel 2 highlights their daily routines, including reveille, meals, and conservation work such as building roads, planting trees, and preventing erosion. The film also emphasizes the role of Army officers and the training provided to CCC members. Reel 3 showcases recreational activities, camp life, and the discharge process, underscoring how the CCC prepared young men to become better citizens and skilled workers. A powerful testament to the CCC's legacy, this film offers a compelling look at a pivotal program in American history. Subscribe to Archival Moments for more rare historical content and explore the past with us!