From 1933-1942, young men of the Civilian Conservation Corp helped lift America out of the Great Depression through hard work and ingenuity, developing and restoring recreation areas and natural resources. Although the CCC operated for only nine years, its contributions here and elsewhere endured in lasting conservation work. At Coopers Rock State Forest, beginning in 1936, men living at Camp Rhododendren built the bridge to the overlook, carved stone steps, constructed stone and wood railings, and completed eleven structures now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Participation demanded sacrifices from mostly unemployed and unmarried young men from poor families, who left home to live in camps around the country, often attended educational classes and job training at night, earned $30 a month, and sent $25 home to help their families.