Alpharetta, Georgia, like much of the United States, was deeply affected by the Great Depression that occurred in the 1930s. The economic downturn caused significant hardship for the people of the county, many of whom were farmers or worked in small businesses. In this article, we will explore the Depression era history of Alpharetta.
During the Great Depression, many families in Alpharetta struggled to make ends meet. Jobs were scarce, and many farmers were unable to sell their crops at a fair price. As a result, poverty was widespread, and families often had to rely on government assistance or charity to survive.
The federal government’s New Deal programs provided much-needed relief to the people of Alpharetta. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) both had projects in the area, providing jobs for local residents. The CCC established a camp in the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest, where young men worked on projects such as building roads and trails, planting trees, and fighting forest fires. The WPA, meanwhile, funded a number of public works projects in the area, including the construction of the Alpharetta City Hall and the Alpharetta Library.
Despite the government’s efforts, many families in Alpharetta still struggled to make ends meet. Food was often scarce, and families had to rely on gardens and livestock to feed themselves. In 1933, the federal government established the Civil Works Administration (CWA) to provide temporary jobs and relief to the unemployed. The CWA had a significant impact in Alpharetta, providing jobs for local residents and improving public infrastructure.
One of the most significant events in Alpharetta during the Depression era was the establishment of Camp Milton. The camp was set up in 1932 by the Salvation Army to provide relief for unemployed men and their families. The camp was located on 80 acres of land and included a dining hall, a hospital, and dozens of tents for the residents. The residents of Camp Milton worked on various projects, including road construction, farming, and carpentry. The camp provided a much-needed sense of community for the residents, and many of them remained in the area even after the camp closed in 1935.
In conclusion, the Great Depression had a significant impact on the people of Alpharetta, Georgia. The economic downturn caused widespread poverty and hardship, and many families had to rely on government assistance or charity to survive. New Deal programs such as the CCC and the WPA provided relief and jobs for local residents, but many families still struggled to make ends meet. The establishment of Camp Milton by the Salvation Army provided a sense of community and relief for unemployed men and their families, and it remains an important part of the area’s history. The Depression era history of Alpharetta serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the people who lived through one of the most challenging times in American history.
