Continuing from "From Hearth And Hoe": " In October, 1935, TVA Camps 7, 13, 16, 19, and 22, for example, were engaged in soil erosion projects and special work on TVA lands. Three 110-foot steel fire towers were erected. Camp TVA-13 constructed a stone masonry fish dam on Stiner Branch. The dam, 30 feet high and 145 feet long, created a lake used by TVA's Fish and Game division to raise fish. Camp TVA-16, consisting of about 206 young men, mostly from East Tennessee, was organized at Sharp's Chapel on August 15, 1935. It, like many other camps, was involved in a variety of projects- reforestation, soil erosion control, fighting forest fires, and building truck trails. On April 20, 1936, the company moved to LaFollette, Tennessee. Immediately, the men began constructing one of the largest dams built by a CCC company. After completion of that project their work consisted of building recreational centers along the shores of Norris Lake.

Camp projects ranged from the customary soil conservation work to the preservation of old buildings. Camp TVA-7, located approximately five miles north of Loyston, was engaged in typical erosion work, with Breeze Bayack serving as superintendent. On the other hand, Camp TVA-P-1, which was under the National Park Service, reconstructed a 135-year old grist mill. The wheel, gears, and timbers originally belonged to the Rice Mill in the Lost Creek Valley.

On October 20, 1934, Camp TVA-P-8, located two and one-half miles from Loyston near the Clinch River, was named Big Ridge Park Camp, and in November 1935, redesignated as Camp TVA-P-2. The area covered 4,500 acres, although only 100 acres were developed into a recreational park, the remainder reverting to its natural state. In order to develop the recreational facility, it was necessary to build Big Ridge Park dam, a large concrete structure which forms a forty-three acre lake used for fishing, boating, and swimming. Cabins surrounded by woods were constructed on a hillside. The park has become a popular recreational center.

The demobilization and disbanding of CCC camps began in early 1939. Camp TVA-22 was the last in Union County. It was moved in 1938 from its original site on Miller's Ridge to the Mossy Springs area in Sharp's Chapel because of the rising waters of Norris Lake, then demobilized in April, 1941. The CCC made lasting contributions, developing many areas around Norris Lake, including Pilot Island, Gull Island, Round Top Island, 'Million Dollar Bridge' parking area, and Hickory Star Landing.

During the Depression, the CCC employed thousands of men nationwide. Although short-lived, the CCC in Union County was highly successful and its construction projects will endure for generations. Also an affinity between local citizens and the CCC boys developed. Union Countians were impressed by the highly organized camp sites, which boasted first-class recreational facilities, sanitary living conditions, attractive landscaping, and a disciplined environment. A number of young men from the camps married local women, settled down, and became permanent Union County citizens. Indeed, the CCC and other New Deal agencies began to change the face and character of Union County. Its people and institutions would be forever transformed."

So, the next time you swim, hike or stay in a cabin at Big Ridge State Park, remember the origins of the facilities that you are using for your recreational activities. When you see the sign that reads, " Entering Union County Soil Conservation District", be thankful that erosion has been controlled. The CCC and many other New Deal organizations and projects affect our lives on a daily basis some 85 years later. In fact, Norris Lake is often cited as a focal point of our county and certainly a major economic contributor.