Dust Bowl Family from Paris, Arkansas, Leaves on Highway No.1, June 1938

This image shows a family that was from Arkansas traveling during the dust bowl era. The title indicates they anticipate ending up in California one day - as many families did.

Courtesy of Library of Congress, Lange, Dorothea, "On highway no. 1 of the "OK" state near Webbers Falls, Muskogee County, Oklahoma..." June 1938

Description

This photograph, taken by famed-American photographer Dorothea Lange, shows a family that was from Paris, Arkansas, relocating during the Dust Bowl era. The title indicates they anticipate ending up in California one day — as many families did.

Source-Dependent Questions

Look closely at the photo, describe what is taking place.
Describe what life would be like for this family. Do you suppose they feel secure in their future? Explain.
Compare this photo to Oklahoma Farm Family on Highway. What is similar? What is different? If you had to join one of these families on their journey, which family would you select? Explain your reasons why.

Citation Information

Lange, Dorothea, "On highway no. 1 of the "OK" state near Webbers Falls, Muskogee County, Oklahoma. Seven children and eldest son's family. Father was a blacksmith in Paris, Arkansas. Son was a tenant farmer. "We're bound for Kingfisher (Oklahoma wheat) and Lubbock (Texas cotton). We're not trying to but we'll be in California yet. We're not going back to Arkansas; believe I can better myself," June 1938. Courtesy of Library of Congress