NPS Photo A New Deal for the Canal and the Civilian Conservation CorpsWhat are your favorite "second chance" stories? The flood of 1924 closed boat operations on the C&O Canal and the historic flood of 1936 seemed to doom the abandoned canal to complete collapse. Purchased by the U.S. government in 1938, the canal was revived and restored by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). From 1938 to 1941, African American men joined the CCC seeking to build a better future for the abandoned canal and for themselves and their families. Working as a team, they successfully restored the damaged canal around the Great Falls area, including many areas that are enjoyed by park visitors today. (Suggested for Learning Standards/Grades 3-8) |
Last updated: November 16, 2021