During the 1930s, life in Alabama was much different than it is today. Most everyone living in Alabama during this time period were either farmers, steel workers, or miners. The following list includes 17 rare photos that will remind you of what life was like in Alabama in the 1930s.

1. A grocery store in Greensboro, Alabama.
Photogrammar/Walker Evans
Photo: Walker Evans (1935)
2. A house in Mobile, Alabama with a pair of unusual staircases.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
Photo: Russell Lee (1938)
3. The interior of a general store in Moundville, Alabama.
Photogrammar/Walker Evans
Photo: Walker Evans (1936)
4. A department store in Montgomery, Alabama covered in sale signs. Have you ever seen so many sale signs at one place?
Photogrammar/Marion Post Wolcott
Photo: Marion Post Wolcott (1939)
5. A company store for steel workers in Ensley, Alabama.
Photogrammar/Arthur Rothstein
Photo: Arthur Rothstein (1937)
6. A roadside stand near Birmingham, Alabama.
Photogrammar/Walker Evans
Photo: Walker Evans (1936)
7. A general store for iron ore miners in Muscoda, Alabama.
Photogrammar/Arthur Rothstein
Photo: Arthur Rothstein (1937)
8. A one-room schoolhouse in Gee's Bend, Alabama.
Photogrammar/Arthur Rothstein
Photo: Arthur Rothstein (1937)

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9. The Farmers Exchange in Enterprise, Alabama.
Photogrammar/Marion Post Wolcott
Photo: Marion Post Wolcott (1939)
10. A newly-built school in Coffee County, Alabama.
Photogrammar/Marion Post Wolcott
Photo: Marion Post Wolcott (1939)
11. An example of Selma's main street architecture.
Photogrammar/Walker Evans
Photo: Walker Evans (1935)
12. A hardware store in Enterprise, Alabama.
Photogrammar/Marion Post Wolcott
Photo: Marion Post Wolcott (1939)
13. A cooperative grist mill in Gee's Bend, Alabama.
Photogrammar/Marion Post Wolcott
Photo: Marion Post Wolcott (1939)
14. A funeral home in Enterprise, Alabama.
Photogrammar/Marion Post Wolcott
Photo: Marion Post Wolcott (1939)
15. A typical afternoon in downtown Greensboro, Alabama during the 1930s.
wikimedia commons/Walker Evans
Photo: Walker Evans (1935)
16. A storm shelter in Coffee County, Alabama that's shared between several families.
Photogrammar/Marion Post Wolcott
Photo: Marion Post Wolcott (1939)
17. A group of downtown buildings and the county courthouse in Greensboro, Alabama.
Photogrammar/Walker Evans
Photo: Walker Evans (1936)

Judging from these old pictures of Alabama, do you believe life was much simpler during the 1930s than it is today? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, if you have any interesting stories regarding the 1930s, we would love for you to share those with us as well.

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More to Explore

small historic towns in alabama

Jennifer Young | October 07, 2022

What is one of the oldest towns in Alabama that everyone should have on their bucket list?

Alabama is filled with many small towns, including Mooresville, which is located in Limestone County. Because this town was incorporated in 1818, it's also one of the state's oldest towns, in addition to it being one of the smallest towns with less than 100 residents. What makes Mooresville truly special is the fact that the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the town's most historic buildings is its post office. It was built around 1840, which makes it Alabama's oldest operational post office. It's such a unique building to see up close and in person. Mooresville is also home to a couple of older churches that are filled with lots of history, including its Old Brick Church, which was built in 1839. If you've never visited Mooresville, consider doing so the next time you're in the area. You'll love it!

In addition to Mooresville, what are three small towns in Alabama that are filled with lots of history?

1. Childersburg

Childersburg is located in Talladega County, Alabama and was incorporated in 1889. However, with that being said, many residents claim the town existed back before 1540. If this is true, Childersburg is the oldest city in America. One of the most popular structures in Childersburg that has a lot of history is the Kymulga Covered Bridge, which was built in the early 1860s.

2. Tuscumbia

Tuscumbia, which was incorporated in 1820, is the county seat of Colbert County, Alabama. It's home to a variety of historical places such as Ivy Green: The Birthplace of Helen Keller, Belle Mont Mansion, Tuscumbia Railway Depot Museum, and more.

3. Mentone

Mentone, which sits atop of Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County, Alabama was founded in the late 1800s. This tiny town is famous for its incredible views and has become a popular vacation destination for anyone in need of a relaxing mountain getaway.

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