The CCC in Arkansas

As the six children (my four plus two friends) swam in the beautiful Mulberry River, my attention would not leave the staircase on which I sat. Here, in the middle of the Ozark National Forest (1.2 million acres), along a peaceful, cool river, was the most gorgeous stairway leading down into the river. It was made of native flat rocks. Clearly it was old, and the workmanship was amazing. The mortar was in great condition. The rocks were placed beautifully.

I learned that the steps were made by the Civilian Conservation Corps. I couldn't wait to research and learn more about the CCC.(YES, I did learn about it in school. But my brain holds only so many facts. Somehow along the way, the CCC got booted OUT!) Here is a short blurb:

"A brainchild of newly elected President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began in 1933 with two purposes: to provide outdoor employment to Depression-idled young men and to accomplish badly needed work in the protection, improvement, and development of the country’s natural resources. Camps housing 200 men each were established in every state: 1,468 in September 1933, 2,635 in September 1935, and, because of the improving economy, down to 800 by January 1, 1942. During this period, 106 camps were located in Arkansas."

Here are a few photos from our day trip. Clay has some that show the staircase. I will post those when he uploads them to the computer. Thanks for reading and for enjoying a bit of the Natural State.

--Max, Austin and Ty, plus our dogs, Charlie and Mary


--Quiet road through the National Forest


--Little country store, said to have the "best" food. :)


--The forest seems endless.


--This is the top of the stairway. When we arrived there was a man playing banjo on the opposite bank!