CCC History at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch
CCC History
Out of his passion for preserving the natural environment, Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps – the “CCC” program during the New Deal Era. In May 1933, the first CCC camp opened in Eastport in Duval County. Eventually, Florida operated 86 camps across the state until the start of World War II.
The 9-year long program employed nearly 3 million young men to build, plant, and preserve our nation’s forests and parks, including the construction of 8 Florida State Parks.
CCC enrollees planting slash pine seedlings, circa 1935 (Florida Memory)
CCC History at Gold Head Branch
Established in 1935, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch is one of Florida’s first state parks. Between 1934 and 1941, the land was cleared and trees were planted by the CCC.
Hundreds of CCC youth and 25 experienced craftsmen executed the plan for Gold Head Branch, built roads, and constructed numerous recreational amenities that still stand today.
Craftsman notching logs at Gold Head Branch, circa 1930 (Florida Memory)
Trek the roadside or stroll the grassy path to check out unique architectural details of each pavilion and bath house along Little Lake Johnson, a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. The rustic pavilions are nice gathering areas available for rent that feature historic stonework and wood seating.
From hand-hewn beams to birdsmouth, half-lap, and tenon and mortise joints, these structures were made from local building materials. For instance, cypress and pine were commonly used in northeast and southern Florida parks, whereas limestone was frequently used in western parts of Florida.
Bath House at Little Lake Johnson
CCC Structures
The Pebble Lake pavilion #18 features fantastic views of Pebble Lake, where in the early morning sun, white water lilies blossom to catch the rays. At dusk, they retract, leaving behind green lily pads blanketing the lake.
Along the landscape, rolling sandhills of stone picnic tables on mossy concrete platforms are surrounded by loblolly pines and thick oaks draped in moss. The recreation area also includes a playground and volleyball court.
Pebble Lake pavilion #18
9 of the park’s cabins are also among the original CCC structures. The cabins are named after native tree species and feature a combined living/sleeping area with a bathroom and kitchen and sleep 4-6 people. Each cabin has A/C and a wood or gas fireplace – a desirable refuge within this 2,366-acre park.
In addition to nearly 10 miles of hiking trails, lakeside camping, and historic sites, there are many more activities at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park in Keystone Heights, Florida.
Things to Do
4 hiking trails – Ridge Trail (1.15 miles), Loblolly Loop Trail (0.93 miles), Fern Loop (0.2 miles), Florida Scenic Trail (5.44 miles)
Swimming & Fishing
Canoe/Kayak – canoe rentals available at Ranger Station
3 Campgrounds – 67 sites
16 cabins (no pets allowed)
Explore More:
Check out more adventures at this park:
The Little Lake Johnson recreation area can be accessed by vehicle from any spot in the park or walk from any of the three campground loops – Sandhill, Turkey Oak, and Lakeview.
The Florida Scenic Trail traverses 5.44 miles through this park including segments through the recreation area around Little Lake Johnson, in tandem with the Loblolly Loop Trail, eventually connecting to the Ridge Trail, and heading north to the Ranger Station at the park’s main entrance.
Over the 9-year CCC program, enrollees planted 18,924,000 trees, constructed 3,620 miles of trails and roads, and built 2,736 bridges. Learn more:
Resource:
Florida’s CCC Parks by Michael Zimny, Florida History & The Arts, Spring 2000