Civilian Conservation Corps

The Lake Arthur camp carried the code DG-41-N, and the letters explain the work the panel describes. DG meant the Division of Grazing, set up after the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934 put the open public range under federal management, so this camp's crews worked rangeland rather than forest, building water for cattle and wildlife. Two Texans who served here, Albert Thorn of North Texas and Hollis Willett of Pauline, later recorded their memories for the University of North Texas. Their company afterward moved to a camp at Carlsbad.

What the plaque says

Official Scenic Historic Marker Civilian Conservation Corps Lake Arthur Campsite The Civilian Conservation Corps was established to provide employment for the nation's young men during the Great Depression of the 1930's. More than 50,000 were enrolled in the program in New Mexico between 1933 and 1942. CCC enrollees at the Lake Arthur camp improved grazing lands, and developed water sources for livestock and wildlife.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Bottomless Lakes State Park — 24 mi
  Nine sinkhole lakes under red bluffs east of Roswell, named by vaqueros whose ropes never touched bottom, and set aside in 1933 as New Mexico's first state park.

More markers nearby

• Artesia — 6.4 mi
• Blackdom Townsite — 7.8 mi
• Sallie Chisum Robert — 11 mi
• Rio Felix Bridge — 12 mi