Unveiling of Civilian Conservation Corps Marker Set for April

The Fairfax County Park Authority, in collaboration with members of the Fairfax County History Commission, will hold an unveiling ceremony for an historic marker at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, VA, on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 2 p.m. The marker commemorates a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work project. In 1933, in order to combat the conditions of the Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt founded the CCC which employed single, young men nationwide in conservation projects. Two hundred young African American men from a Fort Belvoir CCC Camp built fire roads and trails through the forested lands of present-day Lake Accotink Park and the surrounding area. One such trail started at Old Keene Mill Road, crossed nearby Accotink Creek, and ran northeast to Backlick Road. Evidence strongly suggests that the path the trail took led right alongside the present-day Park Office and Visitors Center, which is where the ceremony will take place.

Nationally, 2008 is the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC marker, the third historic marker installed at Lake Accotink Park, is the only marker in Fairfax County to commemorate the valuable contributions of the CCC. The marker is the result of significant field research conducted by park volunteers. The research project arose from the park's association with the Braddock District Office A Look Back at Braddock history project.

The public is invited to join officials for brief remarks followed by the unveiling. Afterward there will be refreshments, exhibits, a walking tour, and opportunities to speak with volunteers who led the research efforts. Parking will be available at the lot by the dam with limited parking along the park road.

Directions: The Park Office/Visitors Center can be reached by vehicle only via the park's front entrance at 7500 Accotink Park Road. From I-95, take Old Keene Mill Rd. (VA-644) west ¼ mile to a right on Hanover Ave. to left on Highland Ave. to right on Accotink Park Rd. Park entrance is just ahead on left. Or, from the Beltway (I-495) take exit 54B (Braddock Rd.) east one mile to right at Backlick Rd. Continue 1½ miles to a right on Highland Ave. Go one mile and turn right on Accotink Park Rd. Park entrance is just ahead on left.