A field Guide to West Virginia new Deal Stone Masonry
View a downloadable .pdf of the field guide by clicking the image below.
This free field guide is intended to help the public identify stone masonry constructed by the CCC, as well as provide insight into how it can be preserved. The guide is not meant to replace expert advice from a stone mason.
Constructed primarily in the 1930s and early 1940s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives, building stone walls and other infrastructure across the state (and nation) provided crucial employment during a period of severe economic hardship. Beyond their practical functions – erosion control, terracing, and property demarcation – they also contributed to the beautification of public lands, parks, and agricultural areas across the state. The craftsmanship exhibited in their dry-stacked and mortared construction reflects a unique blend of traditional building techniques and the specific designs of federal agencies.
Constructed primarily in the 1930s and early 1940s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives, building stone walls and other infrastructure across the state (and nation) provided crucial employment during a period of severe economic hardship. Beyond their practical functions – erosion control, terracing, and property demarcation – they also contributed to the beautification of public lands, parks, and agricultural areas across the state. The craftsmanship exhibited in their dry-stacked and mortared construction reflects a unique blend of traditional building techniques and the specific designs of federal agencies.
