Programs
CCC Worker Statue
A life-size bronze statue placed at parks, forests, and historic sites across America — honoring the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
What We Do
Program Overview
The concept behind the CCC Worker Statue program originated from former Chapter #129 of Grayling, Michigan in 1995. Rev. William Fraser, serving as program coordinator, envisioned placing a statue in every state — a dream that continues advancing each year.
What began as an alumni aspiration has transformed into a broader mission. These monuments introduce millions of Americans to Civilian Conservation Corps heritage across the nation, drawing attention to the program and celebrating the contributions of those who served.
Enrollees performing demanding labor to restore America's natural resources valued basic provisions. Through individual efforts — planting seedlings, placing stones, moving soil — they constructed the foundation for today's national recreation and conservation systems. To date, members and supporters have purchased 78 life-size statues nationwide. These monuments demonstrate pride, hard work, and dedication to preserving CCC meaning in America.
Each statue stands six feet tall and weighs approximately 460 pounds — a life-size bronze figure of a young CCC enrollee carrying the tools of conservation work. The design captures the spirit of the program: a determined young man, shovel in hand, ready to build something that would outlast him by generations.
Communities across the country raise funds, partner with local organizations, and host dedication ceremonies that bring history to life for a new generation. From national forests in the Pacific Northwest to state parks along the Eastern Seaboard, each placement is both a memorial and an invitation — encouraging visitors to learn the story of the Corps at the very landscapes they helped create.
Origins
Statue History
"Spirit of the CCC" — Iron Mike
The inaugural major statue honoring the CCC was created by WPA sculptor Uno John Palokangas. President Roosevelt unveiled the statue on October 1, 1935 at Griffith Park, Los Angeles.
"Spirit of the CCC" Recast
California NACCCA Chapter 55 spearheaded efforts to create a replacement. Sculptor Jim Brothers created the reproduction bronze, dedicated October 1, 1993 at Griffith Park's Travel Town Museum.
CCC Worker Statue Program Founded
Rev. William Fraser of Chapter #129 in Grayling, Michigan envisioned placing a life-size statue in every state. The program was established as a lasting tribute to the men and their conservation work.
"Off the Fire Line" — Desktop Statue
A nine-inch desktop statue was cast featuring program coordinator John Selesky of Michigan, based on a photograph of Selesky as a young CCC enrollee.
78 Statues Placed
Locations Across America
CCC Worker Statues have been placed at national parks, state parks, national forests, museums, and historic sites from coast to coast. Click any statue to see dedication details and photos.
Dedicated TBD at Fort Worth Nature Center and Wildlife Refuge, Fort Worth, TX.
Dedicated July 21, 2021 at Turkey Creek Park, Niceville, FL.
Coordinated by Sharon Viadella and Friends of Pachaug.
Coordinated by Martin Podskoch and Sharon Viadella.
Honors CCC workers, particularly Co. 3497 who constructed the iconic Swinging Bridge.
Sponsored by Friends of Cumberland Mountain State Park.
Coordinated by Mike Impero and Janet Oakley.
The CCC restored the historic fort and built the park in 1937.
Community effort by City of Salina. Museum documents CCC camp and German POWs.
Park Manager Pat Wright served as MC. Friends of Montgomery Bell and The Jackson Foundation funded.
Fort Missoula served as CCC District Headquarters.
Dedicated during the National Park Service's 100th Anniversary celebration.
Fundraising led by Ken Baldridge. Near the Zion visitor center during NPS centennial.
Built 1934-1937 by CCC Companies 2625 and 2655. Funded by John & Ruth L. Kloss Charitable Trust.
Funding came from Richard Chrisinger of Springfield, Missouri, and Trees for Tomorrow. CCC alumni attending included Chrisinger and Fred Miller.
Placement by Eagle Scout Grant Atkinson, Alabama State Parks, and CCC Legacy.
Friends of Ouabache State Park, led by Myrna and Rocky Myrtle.
Part of the CCC's 80th Anniversary. Missouri's second statue. Governor Jay Nixon was keynote speaker.
Dedicated during Tennessee's 75th State Park System Anniversary.
Joseph Wiedemer kept his promise to honor his CCC friends. Pennsylvania's seventh statue.
Maryland DNR, Chapter #113, and Potomac Edison Electric cooperated.
Pennsylvania's sixth statue, spearheaded by Mike Wennin.
Located at former Co. 3781, SCS-5 site on private Dipert family land.
Iowa's first statue, jointly funded by the Iowa Hawkeye Chapter and Friends of Lacey Keosauqua.
A joint family, community, and statue effort.
Formal unveiling canceled due to 13 inches of snow. Friends of Guernsey State Park funded the statue.
Michigan's third statue. Dedicated during Michigan State Parks' 90th anniversary.
Nearly 250 CCC enthusiasts gathered. Organized by Jay Hendrickson and Peggy Sanders. Funded by Melvin Hermanson.
Coordinated by Chapter #44 and the Jack Duncan Family. Phoenix South Mountain Park is the nation's largest municipal park.
Sponsors: Chapter #141, National New Deal Preservation Association, and New Mexico Legislature.
Coordinated by: Gerald Johnson, Chapter #44
From 1934-1937, CCC Companies 858 and 2851 worked inside the cave, widening passages, establishing trails, installing handrails and lighting.
Walter Atwood unveiled the statue. Dedicated during the CCC's 75th Anniversary.
Dedicated on Founders Day. Richard Davies, grandson of the first Director of Arkansas State Parks, dedicated the statue.
Only statue sheltered inside a current conservation corps facility. Robert L. Griffiths raised funds.
Placed on the CCC's 75th Anniversary, highlighting Camp Roosevelt — America's first CCC camp. Fundraising involved selling CCC merchandise and commemorative pavers.
Chapter #143 dedicated the statue as part of the 75th Anniversary. George and Peggy LeCouris purchased the statue.
The Tionesta Valley Snowmobile Club organized fundraising and placement.
NACCCA chapters 33 and 119 raised funds with assistance from the Minnesota Conservation Corps and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Dedicated July 7, 2007 at Laurel Hills State Park, PA.
Dedicated June 14, 2007 at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Mandan, ND.
Dedicated October 21, 2006 at Giant City State Park, Makanda, IL.
Dedicated October 18, 2006 at Flags of Honor Park, Willmar, MN.
Dedicated September 30, 2006 at Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park, VA.
Dedicated August 5, 2006 at McCall, McCall, ID.
Dedicated November 14, 2005 at John James Audubon State Park, KY.
Dedicated August 27, 2005 at Cabwaylingo State Park, Dunlow, WV.
Dedicated July 15, 2005 at Saltese, Saltese, MT.
Dedicated June 4, 2005 at Crawford State Park, Farlington, KS.
Dedicated March 31, 2005 at Southern Forest Heritage Museum, Long Leaf, LA.
Dedicated October 2, 2004 at Marion County Park, Marion, KS.
Dedicated September 18, 2004 at Deception Pass State Park, Oak Harbor, WA.
Dedicated September 6, 2004 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver, CO.
Dedicated May 22, 2004 at Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna, FL.
Dedicated 2004 at Pisgah Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest, NC.
Dedicated August 21, 2004 at Promised Land State Park, Greentown, PA.
Dedicated July 20, 2004 at Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, WI.
Dedicated April 24, 2004 at Singletary State Park, Kelly, NC.
Dedicated April 17, 2004 at Sunset Bay, White Rock Lake Park, Dallas, TX.
Dedicated August 21, 2003 at Galloway House and Village, Fond du Lac, WI.
Dedicated March 31, 2003 at Roosevelt Park, Edison, NJ.
Dedicated September 28, 2002 at Freetown State Forest, Assonet, MA.
Dedicated September 28, 2002 at Letchworth State Park, NY.
Dedicated September 3, 2002 at Forest History Center, Salem, OR.
Dedicated June 30, 2002 at Devil's Den State Park, AR.
Dedicated June 22, 2002 at Tahquamenon Logging Museum, Newberry, MI.
Dedicated September 29, 2001 at Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown, NH.
Dedicated September 16, 2001 at Oconee State Park, SC.
Dedicated June 3, 2001 at Forest Preserve District, Willow Springs, IL.
Dedicated April 24, 2001 at Capitol Public Plaza, Augusta, ME.
Dedicated September 23, 2000 at Cascade Park, New Castle, PA.
Dedicated September 8, 2000 at Cuyahoga Valley NRA, Peninsula, OH.
Dedicated September 18, 1999 at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain, GA.
Dedicated August 14, 1999 at Leonard Harrison State Park, Tioga County, PA.
Dedicated June 5, 1999 at Watoga State Park, Marlington, WV.
Dedicated August 2, 1997 at Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring, FL.
Dedicated November 4, 1996 at School of Conservation, Branchville, NJ.
Dedicated April 14, 1996 at Babler State Park, MO.
Dedicated June 3, 1995 at North Higgins State Park, Roscommon, MI.
Get Involved
Order a Statue for Your Community
Is your state park, national forest, or historic site missing a CCC Worker Statue? CCC Legacy can help you bring one to your community. Each life-size bronze statue is a lasting tribute to the men who shaped America's landscape.