11 Historic Photos That Show Us What It Was Like Living In Arizona In The Early 1900s

Whether it's family photos or a history book, there's something so nostalgic about looking at old pictures. These 11 photographs were captured in Arizona in 1940 or earlier, showcasing what life was like during the post-Depression era.

1. A street full of farmworkers' homes in Glendale, which is now one of Arizona's largest cities with a population of just under 250,000. Check out that vintage car! (1936)

2. A family of nine from the Fort Smith, Arkansas area stops to get gas between Phoenix and Yuma. They are en route to find work in the California harvests. (June 1937)

3. The sign welcoming visitors to the iconic, rough-and-tumble town of Tombstone. Not much has changed in almost a century, wouldn't you agree? (June 1937)

4. The entrance to what once was the largest zoo in Arizona, located in Apache Junction. (May 1940)

5. Tourists purchase a piece of petrified wood from Petrified Forest National Park. Many of these same log fragments can likely still be seen in the park today - after all, what's eight decades on 200-million-year-old trees? (September 1939)

6. An orchestra plays outside a Phoenix grocery store in hopes of attracting more customers. It appears their efforts were successful! (April 1940)

7. A popcorn stand on a street corner in Globe. It looks like they're selling magazines, as well - we wonder who graced the covers? (May 1940)

8. An early look at the Roosevelt Dam, built between 1906 and 1911 in a narrow gorge below the Salt River and Tonto Creek. This level of hydroelectric power was a truly remarkable feat for that day and age. (May 1940)

9. The famous Crystal Palace Saloon in Tombstone, or the city's very first bar. Did you know it's haunted? (July 1938)

10. A cliff dwelling at Tonto National Monument in Gila County. (May 1940)

11. A bridge marking the state line between Arizona and California. Look closely, and you'll see the speed limit was just 10 miles per hour. Do you think everyone abided by it? (April 1940)

Which of these historic Arizona photos is your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section, then check out our previous article for more vintage photographs taken in the Grand Canyon State.