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This is a contributing entry for Coopers Rock State Forest Civilian Conservation Corps Structures Tour and only appears as part of that tour.Learn More.
The Robert Fechner Monument was carved out of a single piece of sandstone and stands nearly ten feet high and six feet wide. The monument commemorates Robert Fechner, the first director of the CCC. Fechner was a lifelong blue-collar worker, union organizer, and labor negotiator. The CCC program was initially met by opposition from labor leaders who feared that the program would be detrimental to workers across the board, which is why why Franklin Roosevelt appointed Fechner. Fechner proved to be largely adept at both assuaging labor fears and capably handling the administration of the CCC program. However, he was also the target of criticism for his reluctance to promote African-American CCC opportunities and for his stance that education in the CCC program should be a tangential benefit only. Fechner served as director from 1933 until his death in 1939. The monument to Fechner has experienced some environmental erosion, but otherwise remains in good condition.

Robert Fechner Monument

Robert Fechner Monument

Robert Fechner

Robert Fechner

Fechner (bottom left) with Franklin Roosevelt (front center) during a visit to a CCC camp, ca. 1933 - 1939

Fechner (bottom left) with Franklin Roosevelt (front center) during a visit to a CCC camp, ca. 1933 - 1939

Roach, Edward J. Fechner, Robert, American National Biography. August 1st 2003. Accessed August 10th 2020. https://www.anb.org/view/10.1093/anb/9780198606697.001.0001/anb-9780198606697-e-1501297.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

CCC Museum of South Dakota

VCU Libraries Social Welfare History Project