Born out of the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) put young men to work in the 1930s. The jobs involved building parks and conserving natural resources across the country. Texas has 29 CCC state parks. Some, like Garner and Palo Duro Canyon, are well known. This month, Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine visits 9 parks with the CCC’s handiwork that you may not have visited… yet.

Longhorn Cavern Talk about a back-breaking job: The CCC hauled 2.5 tons of material out of the cavern in 1934 so the public could enjoy this underground marvel. The above-ground facilities, including the dramatic, arched administration building, were constructed from limestone and crystals pulled from the cave. More on Longhorn Cavern >>

Meridian The CCC World War I veterans who developed Meridian built a refectory above Lake Bosque with arched entryways, a stone chimney, beamed ceiling and a pergola. The enrollees also constructed the rock and earthen dam across Bee Creek that impounded the lake. More on Meridian >>

Indian Lodge Indian Lodge, the pueblo-style hotel in Davis Mountains State Park, reflects the history and culture of the region. Hand-hewn pine beams, adobe blocks and hand-carved cedar furniture were all made onsite. Local materials included pine from Mount Livermore and river cane. More on Indian Lodge >>

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