The City of Cortez and the Montezuma Heritage Museum are asking for community help to preserve the history of Civilian Conservation Corps Camp SCS 14-C, which operated in the Cortez area from the late 1930s through 1941.
The main camp was located just north of what is now West Empire Street near today’s Carpenter Natural Area, with additional side camps in Narraguinnep, Dove Creek, and on Vernal Mesa. Hundreds of young men—many from Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado—lived and worked at the camp, carrying out soil conservation projects across Montezuma County and participating in community life.
Recent archaeological work by Woods Canyon Archaeological Consultants documented new evidence of the camp, and a History Colorado grant is funding further research. A redacted version of the archaeological survey and a recorded presentation to Cortez City Council are available on the City of Cortez’s Historic Structures and Preservation page.
Historians say family memories, photographs, letters, and artifacts are especially valuable, since few physical traces of the camp remain today. Anyone with ties to the CCC camp is encouraged to come forward and share what they know.
Those willing to contribute stories or materials are encouraged to contact:
Ryan Spittler
Project Archaeologist, Woods Canyon Archaeological Consultants, Inc.
Office: 970 564 9640
Cell: (201) 739 3635
Email: ryan@woodscanyon.net
