A Depression-Era CCC Pavilion Still Stands in Big Spring State Park

During the Great Depression, the federal government created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to put young men to work on public land projects. CCC Company 1857 worked at Big Spring State Park in 1934 and 1935. They used locally quarried limestone to build a stone pavilion, headquarters building, pumphouse, and restrooms.

Their biggest project was the 3-mile park road that loops around the mesa. Workers built mortarless stone retaining walls, some containing stones weighing up to two tons. The pavilion is still available to reserve for events. You can call the park at (432) 263-4931 for information.