National Capital Parks A History

Civilian Conservation Corps Developments

As was true of many areas under the National Park Service, National Capital Parks underwent several large-scale developments during the operation of the Civilian Conservation Corps. In all, 10 CCC Camps were established in the Washington area. Achievements under the CCC program increased as the trainees gained added experience in the various trades and crafts, in surveying, administrative work, museum exhibit preparation, landscaping, tree preservation, roads and trail construction, and other types of development and conservation projects in the programs. [100] The National Capital Parks as a technical agency was given funds for the purchase of supplies and equipment, and employment of technical supervisory and other facilitating personnel for the work programs. During the course of the program a total of $1,229,813.19 was obligated by the office of National Capital Parks. [101] It was the responsibility of the park office to plan and prosecute work projects within its area, By means of numerous work projects, a rehabilitation of older park areas and a development of new areas was effected. As was true of other areas in the National Park Service, many enrollees learned helpful trades. While learning these trades, they contributed to the beautification and development of park areas. Achievements in park work effected during the period of Civilian Conservation Corps operation may be viewed all about the National Capital today.

During the period of CCC operation a multitude of permanent physical improvements was achieved. Some of these improvements are as follows: bridges were built; signs, markers, tables, and benches were constructed; foot trails, horse trails, truck trails, and minor roads were constructed; the clearing and cleaning of channels required the removal of 88,000 square yards of earth. [102] Over 20,000 feet of tile lines was constructed; over 35,000 square yards of earth was removed during riprap work. Fine grading road slopes was a major accomplishment. Almost 120,000 individual trees and shrubs were moved and planted. Parking areas and parking overlooks were built and picnic areas developed. Certain undesirable structures were removed. Over 65,000 cubic yards of earth was removed in excavation of channels and canals. [103] Tree preservation received considerable attention. Four historic structures were restored. Major jobs of restoration and general park maintenance were undertaken at Fort Washington, Fort Dupont, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. These work projects are typical of the program carried on in the National Capital Parks during the CCC operation.

Restoration of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

One of the major park accomplishments in which the CCC played an important part, was the restoration of a 22-mile sector of the Chesapeake Ohio Canal. After having been permanently abandoned in 1924, the canal was purchased by the Federal Government in 1938 for $2,000,000. Two CCC Camps were established along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and a total of $98,910.22 was allotted for CCC work on the Canal. CCC boys were employed in the general restoration of the canal from Georgetown, D. C. to Seneca, Maryland. The reconstructed 22-mile sector was officially opened for the public on August 17, 1940. [104] The lower level of the canal in Georgetown had already been in use in 1939.

In accomplishing the reconstruction and restoration of the canal from Georgetown to Seneca, Maryland, CCC boys were usually employed in general repair and maintenance work. They had to re-excavate major portions of the canal ditch. Since abandonment of canal operations in 1924, the ditch had become filled with earth, sandbars, logs, and trees. All this was removed by CCC workers. In addition, the boys were employed in rebuilding a wide towpath. The actual construction of locks, lockgates, and lockhouses was carried on by workers employed by means of WPA funds.

Preparatory to the restoration of the canal, historians T. Sutton Jett and Rogers Young, under the direction of the Branch of History of the National Park Service, made an extensive study of the history of the canal. When the Government acquired the canal all of the original records of the Canal Company were deposited in the National Archives. By means of a thorough study of these original records, historians Jett and Young were able to give expert advice on many phases of the restoration of the canal. The entire restoration of the canal was planned to be historically accurate.

Basic to restoration is the task of historical research. This research is but the first step in a series. Specialists in planning and design are needed to give their valuable suggestions, as well as engineers and architects with their technical advice and skill. All these specialists must cooperate, so that the result will be a successful restoration. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was an example of this cooperation. Preparatory to the construction of a bridge, spillway, or lock, the historian would gather and evaluate the historical data on the subject. Experts in planning and design would then give advice as to the best way to effect this construction and restoration. Engineers and architects would be needed to lend their technical advice. Finally, actual construction would be undertaken. The result was the construction and restoration of locks, spillways, and lock houses along the canal, all conforming as closely as possible to those of the original Chesapeake and Ohio Canal when in actual operation.

Restoration Work on Lock 16 of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Construction and Repair

During the past 18 years, the Construction and Repair Division has effected numerous improvements within the National Capital Parks. Owing to the magnitude of the park system, construction and repair work encompasses a wide variety of assignments calling for constant vigilance on the part of park officials. Under the supervision of George Clark, since July 1932, this division has maintained present structures and built new roads, trails, buildings, structures, utilities, and countless other facilities in the park system. Since the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway has been under the jurisdiction of National Capital Parks, continual construction and repair work has been necessary to maintain its present condition. Many of the bridges, which add to the attractiveness of Rock Creek Park were constructed by the employees of the Construction and Repair Division. Recently, the Mall roads were considerably improved including the extension of Madison Drive between 7th and 9th Streets. [105]

Few of the dedications, ceremonies, or events in the park areas are completed without the services of park construction craftsmen and laborers. Maintenance of the many miles of roads within the National Capital Parks alone constitutes a large task. In addition to its general work, the Construction and Repair Division operates the Arlington Memorial Bridge and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Construction and repair work is vital to the successful operation of the park system. It requires the services of a large number of craftsmen and laborers, who play an important part in the operation of all park systems.

A Roads and Trails Project in Rock Creek

Horticultural Work

Horticultural work is also a phase of park work, which received considerable attention. The Horticulture and Maintenance Division supervises all day labor, construction, maintenance of all horticultural features of the parks. An important feature of any park system is the proper adornment of flowering plants, shrubery, and trees. Horticultural work has always been an important phase of work in National Capital Parks. It was the Horticultural Division that maintained the extensive park greenhouses. Recent important developments displaying the work of the Horticulturists include the development of the grounds adjacent to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, treatment of grounds at Dupont Circle, and the development of the State Department triangle. [106] The work of the division in combating the dread Dutch Elm Disease may be considered an achievement even though this fight is still in progress. The first case of Dutch Elm disease in parks was found on May 29, 1947 by Plant Pathologist Horace V. Wester, while on a routine inspection tour south of the Lincoln Memorial. [107] Since that time, the Horticulture Division in cooperation with other government agencies has waged continuous warfare against this serious danger to the Elm growth of the National Capital.

United States Park Police

Park protection is a necessary and major function of the National Capital Parks office. The United States Park Police, composed of a relatively small force of expertly trained men, is the park protection force for the Nation's Capital. Since the parks are controlled by the Federal Government, it is natural that they be policed by Federal authorities. Officially called the United States Park Police by act of Congress of December 5, 1919, the Park Police force has steadily risen to one of the best trained police forces in the Nation. The act of May 27, 1924 (435 Stat. 175), provided that the United States Park Police force was under exclusive charge and control of the Officer in Charge of Public Buildings and Grounds and consisted of one officer detailed from the War Department, one lieutenant, one first sergeant, five sergeants, and 54 privates. [108] The present Park Police force is approximately three times as large as it was in 1924; while the area to be protected, is almost eight times as large as it was in 1924. [109] This illustrates the fact that one park policemen is now charged with the responsibility of patroling a more extensive area.

It is necessary that each park policeman be a resourceful and relentless guardian of public property and public welfare. In addition to regular police training, the park policemen must be thoroughly familiar with park regulations. Since the majority of violations in the parks are infractions of park regulations rather then ordinary crimes, park policemen have developed an attitude of courtesy and helpfulness. Since out-of-town visitors are often unfamiliar with park regulations, park policemen frequently issue courtesy warnings for minor park violations. While this requires additional effort on the part of the officer, it has brought many favorable responses from park visitors. However, if the need arises, the park policeman is a vigorous and stern guardian of the law. The history of the Park Police is filled with the solutions of many major crimes committed in the parks. Through the years, members of the United States Park Police force have brought distinction upon themselves and their office by their many commendations. Besides providing complete protection for the entire National Capital Parks, the Park Police furnishes police escorts for the President of the United States, and furnishes supplemental police protection, when requested, at the White House.

The United States Park Police. "The City's Finest"