The Civilian Conservation Corp built the first state parks in Tennessee, including Pickett, Reelfoot, Montgomery Bell, Norris Dam, South Cumberland, Big Ridge, T.O. Fuller, Nathan Bedford Forrest, Booker T. Washington, Harrison Bay, Cove Lake, Pickwick Landing and Cumberland Mountain State Parks. Many of their park structures are still in use today. Here, the lodge at Big Ridge State Park is under construction by the CCC.

The terrace in front of the same lodge at Big Ridge in 1938.

Developed by the National Forestry Service the lodge at Chickasaw dates back to 1937. Today it is a popular place for weddings, meetings and family reunions.

The lodge at Cedars of Lebanon looks much the same today as when it was built, as can be seen in the next photo.

Every year Cedars of Lebanon honors its historical heritage with their W.P.A. Day (Works Progress Administration) event held in October. Featured this year, will be the opening of the W.P.A. time capsule from 1937.

Chief Ranger (park manager) J. M. Summers standing at Pickett State Park office. The office is now a museum dedicated to the CCC’s legacy at the park. The new CCC Museum features interpretative exhibits and artifacts, depicting the Civilian Conservation Corps’ contributions to Tennessee’s parks and natural areas, while recognizing the CCC’s extensive efforts across the country.

A few of the original CCC “Boys” who helped to build the Pickett office and cabins were special guests during the CCC Museum dedication event in November 2010.

The “Mill House” and dam at Cumberland Mountain showcase the beauty of the local sandstone known as Crab Orchard stone used in their construction in the 1930s.

The dam and bridge at Cumberland Mountain is the largest masonry structure ever built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Typical CCC stone work displays an artistry that can be seen on this bridge at Harrison Bay.

Works Progress Administration workers at Standing Stone.

This lodge at Standing Stone is an example of Parkitecture - the rustic building style used in parks during this time. Parkitecture showcases local materials, a harmony with the surroundings and beauty of the hand craftsmanship.

An exterior view of the commissary at Standing Stone from 1939.

This wooden bridge at Standing Stone is typical of Parkitecture.

Natchez Trace was built as part of President Roosevelt's "New Deal" program. The land was bought from residents who could no longer make a living farming the land because of extensive erosion problems.

Large crowds attended the official opening and dedication of Natchez Trace.

A park lodge at Natchez Trace.

The T.O. Fuller CCC camp. Thanks to the hard work supplied by the young boys of the CCC, the TVA Work crews, the WPA and many others, our depression-era parks have grown into a celebrated public asset with more than 16 million visitors a year.