Camp Platte was established near here in October 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs created to promote economic recovery during the Great Depression by providing jobs and vocational training for unemployed men between ages 18 and 25. Administered by U.S. Army officers, Camp Platte was unusual because its Company 1782V consisted of World War I veterans and a few Spanish-American War veterans whose average age was 46 rather than the younger men found in most CCC camps. Throughout the 1930s, the men planted trees and grasses and built terraces and check dams to help control soil erosion in Platte and Colfax counties. The camp was built near the Groteluschen farm primarily because of a nearby artesian well, which was credited for the excellent health the middle-aged veterans enjoyed. In recognition of their previous military service, the camp newsletter was named the “Veterans Company Chronicle.” On July 1, 1941, Company 1782V was transferred to Madison, Nebraska, and Camp Platte closed, and the CCC was disbanded in 1942 after U.S. entry into World War II.