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Built
in 1933, the Leeds Civilian Conservation Corps Camp is significant as
perhaps the best remaining example of a CCC camp in Utah. These
camps were typically built of relatively temporary frame construction,
and the surviving buildings and features such as the stone terraces at
the Leeds camp present a unique, if somewhat limited, view of these
important facilities. The economic impact of the Great Depression
was especially severe in Utah where unemployment averaged 25 percent
during the 1930's and was once as high as 36 percent. |
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Because of the pressing need for
conservation work, such as flood control, water resource development,
etc, in the arid climate of southern Utah, the CCC work
projects were of great importance locally. Approximately 250 men
were housed in frame barracks that were located to the southwest with
other buildings such as a mess hall, library, and showers. The
remaining stone structures are but a few of those originally built.
The men were typically from out-of-state and served in the CCC for 9 to 12 months. Temporary remote
"spike" camps were established near many of the actual
construction projects. The Leeds CCC Camp was closed in 1942, and
most of the frame buildings were removed before
1950.
Leeds Utah is located just off of I-15 north
of St George, Utah. To get to the Leeds CCC Camp drive through the center of town until you see a
large historic sign the marks the camp. |
