A Nationwide System of Parks, 1939: CCC's Legacy

This silent documentary from 1939 illustrates the transformation and expansion of America's state park system, largely through the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), amidst the backdrop of the Great Depression.

Reel 1: Begins with a stark reminder of economic hardship, showing unemployed workers lined up at the gates of closed factories, setting the stage for the CCC's role in providing employment and conservation work. The film then shifts to showcase the development of state parks in the South, specifically Edisto and Myrtle Beach State Parks in South Carolina, and Santo Domingo State Park in Georgia. CCC members are seen engaged in various conservation activities: from pest control by destroying caterpillars to tree transplantation, educational classes, and wildlife care. Additionally, it captures the renovation of the home of Alexander Stephens, the Vice President of the Confederacy, highlighting the preservation of historical sites within these parks.
Reel 2: This segment expands the view to state parks across the United States, including Vermont, Massachusetts, Virginia, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Texas. The CCC's work is evident in each location, with men involved in park maintenance, construction, and further conservation efforts, showcasing the breadth of their impact on America's natural landscapes and recreational spaces.

"A Nationwide System of Parks" not only documents the physical improvements to America's parklands but also celebrates the CCC's role in environmental education, conservation, and providing meaningful employment during one of the nation's most challenging economic periods.