The Great Depression was a trying time for Texans everywhere. We’ve all heard stories from our grandparents about what life was like during the country’s most tumultuous decade, but nothing compares to seeing the adversity firsthand. These photographs were taken in Texas during the 1930s and give a fascinating look into the world as it was decades ago.

1. Thick clouds of black dust chase a car in the Texas Panhandle.
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Library of Congress, 1936.
2. Vintage Texas license plate from 1930.
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Agency and exact location unknown, 1930.
3. Women of the Evans Spring 4-H Club In Anderson County restore a bed frame.
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Cushing Memorial Library & Archives, Texas A&M, 1932.
4. Winners of the International Pageant Of Pulchritude In Galveston pose for a photo. Miss Universe holds down the center, wearing a crown to distinguish herself.
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Library of Congress, 1930.
5. Pearl Brewing Company flew cases of beer all over the country shortly after Prohibition ended.
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Pearl Brewery, 1933.
6. A man gets baptized near Mineola.
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Library of Congress, 1935.
7. The Eldon B. Mahon United States Courthouse in Fort Worth.
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U.S. National Archives, ca. 1934.
8. A Coryell County farmer sits in his rocking chair and reads a magazine about farming.
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The Progressive Farmer, 1931.

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9. Employee of the Railway Express Agency in San Augustine.
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Library of Congress, 1939.
10. Employees of Imperial Sugar Company load cargo onto a ship in the Galveston Wharf.
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SMU Central University Libraries, 1938.
11. Members of the joint United States and Mexico International Park Commission stand on the South River in the Chisos Mountains.
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National Park Service, 1936.
12. The 1938 Texas Tech University football team poses for a group photo.
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La Ventana yearbook, 1939.
13. The Alamo Plaza Courts Tourist Apartments In Waco.
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Flickr photo, 1939.
14. Employees of the South Texas Cotton Oil Company weigh bales of cotton.
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SMU Central University Libraries, 1937.
15. View of the Congress Ave Bridge from a nearby fire tower.
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SMU Central University Libraries, 1935.
16. The Texas & Pacific Railroad Locomotive #717 in Fort Worth.
Wikimedia Commons
SMU Central University Libraries, 1939.
17. Looking north on the Yale Street Bridge over White Oak Bayou In Houston.
Wikimedia Commons
Agency unknown, 1931.

Do you have any Great Depression stories passed down from family members? We’d love to hear them in the comments below.

For more haunting photos of this time period, check out 20 Rare Photos Taken In Texas During The Great Depression.

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