All-Black CCC unit worked out of Durand

How much do you know about Rockford's Black history? In celebration and recognition of Black History Month, the Rockford Register Star has partnered with the Rockford Public Library's Local History Room to bring our readers a local Black history fact of the day.

Visit rrstar.com or the Rockford Register Star newspaper each day throughout the month of February to read about the people, places and events that played significant roles in shaping the rich fabric of Rockford's Black history.

In 1935, during the Great Depression, a Civilian Conservation Corps program opened in the northwestern part of Winnebago County.

An all-Black work unit operated in Durand focusing on soil erosion prevention projects.

Want to learn more about the Civilian Conservation Corps? Visit the Rockford Public Library's Local History Room at rockfordpubliclibrary.org/local-history or in person at the Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St.

Civilian Conservation Corps, 1930s.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ROCKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY