Early in the morning of Sunday, June 4, 1933, two hundred and twelve young men arrived from Fort Monroe, Virginia to begin the CCC Camp of Bastian, Virginia. Many of the Bastian locals anxiously gathered to view this memorable occasion in Bland County's history. Colonel K.T. Smith, chief of staff of the 80th division, was the first district commander. The purpose of the CCC was to preserve conservation . The members did a lot of work in the forest with the forestry department, especially in the building of fire trails in mountains and preserving wildlife.

The CCC Camp in Bastian was rated "superior" in comparison to other camps. This camp consisted of six barracks, a post exchange, a recreational building, a kitchen and mess hall, an educational building, a photographic darkroom, a hospital, Army Officer Quarters, Forestry Officers Quarters, a blacksmith shop, a garage, a bathhouse, a library, Army Office, a supply room, a forestry office, a green house, a paint storage building, and an explosive storage building,. Fifteen different vocational courses were taught by capable WPA teachers who were mainly employed from Bland County. The young men received many lessons of army discipline and a new concept of the importance of conservation of natural resources. Many married Bland County girls and settled in the for good in the mountains to raise their families. The camp was terminated on December 9,1942, but its legacy continues unto this day.

 Beverly Hall, class of 1997