In 1933, when Franklin D. Roosevelt became President of the United States, he initiated through Congress many new programs to help the nation’s economy, including the Civilian Conservation Corps, a nationwide public works program designed to provide jobs during the Great Depression. Company 556 occupied this camp from 1934 to 1942, and at any one time up to 200 young men lived here in barracks, received needed jobs, and provided greatly appreciated service. The camp offered room and board, educational and recreational programs, and an atmosphere in which young men could grow in pride and character. Over eight years, the hundreds of young men in Company 556 literally built Pokagon State Park, adding acres of forested land, huge sand beaches, miles of trails, and well-crafted log and stone buildings.