South Dakota has had a colorful and rich history and the era of the Great Depression is no exception. These black and white photos of life in South Dakota between 1929 and 1939 give us a glimpse into life back in the day. Besides the Depression, the state also suffered the effects of severe dust storms.

1. A woman in the midst of the Great Depression in South Dakota.
A woman in the midst of the Great Depression in South Dakota.
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2. A broken down homestead on farmland.
A broken down homestead on farmland.
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3. Two children of a poor farmer living in South Dakota in May 1936.
Two children of a poor farmer living in South Dakota in May 1936.
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4. An original homesteader in Pennington County, South Dakota.
An original homesteader in Pennington County, South Dakota.
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5. Men and horses working on the stock water dam.
Men and horses working on the stock water dam.
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6. Chickens being fed mash by a young boy.
Chickens being fed mash by a young boy.
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7. Headed West in South Dakota, this family packed up all their things in this covered wagon.
Headed West in South Dakota, this family packed up all their things in this covered wagon.
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8. In Sisseton, in 1939, these two boys were photographed towards the end of the Great Depression.
In Sisseton, in 1939, these two boys were photographed towards the end of the Great Depression.
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9. The home of the Hardin Family near Deadwood, SD.
The home of the Hardin Family near Deadwood, SD.
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10. Cars on main street in Sisseton, South Dakota.
Cars on main street in Sisseton, South Dakota.
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During the Great Depression, many South Dakotans abandoned farms and homes to move into towns and cities to find work. Many of these homesteads stand empty still today, looking much the same as they did in these vintage photos.

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