In the 1930’s the area surrounding Mammoth Cave was in transition. Not yet a national park, the 4 camps located at Mammoth Cave began the work of one of the largest CCC projects in Kentucky- the development and preparation for America’s 26th national park.

Each of the 4 camps housed around 200 enrollees and had several buildings- 3 to 4 barracks, kitchen and mess area, latrines, the Emergency Conservation Work (ECW) Office, a blacksmith’s shop, commissary, garages, and storage and maintenance areas. The camps received most supplies such as fuel, food, and clothing from Fort Knox. Their clothing, meals, and board were taking care of, and they received a salary of 30 dollars a month, 25 dollars of which was sent back home to their families.

The men started their weekdays with breakfast and bed making, then began their 6 hours of work. They also spent time each day in educational programs and sports and recreation. Their evenings and weekends were free time, and the men could ride the camp truck to and from town in the evenings for a 5 cent movie, and on the weekends there were often sponsored dances and activity nights at the "Whoopie House"- a recreation building shared by all camps.

The enrollees remained in the CCC an average of two years, earning an income to help their families during the Depression era, and learning skills and trades that would help them throughout their lives.

Sources:
Lally, Kelly A. A History of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Mammoth Cave National Park, 1987.