After the United States joined the war, every single state was impacted. Following the struggle through the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, South Dakota was greatly affected by everything happening to the whole country. The Public Works Administration that attempted to create tons of jobs through large public projects was working on the Oglala Dam, for instance, among other things. The job market surged while many South Dakotans went off to war in the late 1930s and early 1940s, and life at home became a bit different.

Take a look at these seven rare photos from that time to see how life really was back then.

1. Men working on the Oglala Dam project, 1940
NARA/Wikimedia
2. Gathering of cars for a celebration, 1941
NARA/Wikimedia
3. A team of horses attempting to pull a school bus out of the snow, Allen, SD, 1941
NARA/Wikimedia

Related Stories

South Dakota Schools In The Early 1900s Are Nothing Like They Are Today

South Dakota Schools In The Early 1900s Are Nothing Like They Are Today

 There's An Unexpected Piece Of History Hiding Underground In South Dakota

There's An Unexpected Piece Of History Hiding Underground In South Dakota

 14 Ways Living in South Dakota Ruins You For Life

14 Ways Living in South Dakota Ruins You For Life
4. Farm buildings in the Black Hills, late 1930s
NARA/Wikimedia
5. Federal Public Works Administration building in Rapid City, 1940
NARA/Wikimedia
6. Salesman showing his scale model house to a Native American resident, 1940
7. Winter in a tent city for the workers and their families working on the Oglala Dam project, 1941
NARA/Wikimedia

There are many fascinating parts of South Dakota’s history documented through photographs. Be sure to check out these other rare photos taken in the state that give a glimpse back in time.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore South Dakota