The 1930s were a rough time across the country, as the Great Depression took hold of the country. It is considered the longest and most widespread depression of the 20th century. While the Dallas – Fort Worth was not the hardest area hit due to a more diversified economy, rail, and industry, it was affected. Here are 12 rare photos taken during this difficult time in history:

1. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, taken sometime between 1932 and 1934.
Photo by one of the Barrow gang/WikiMedia Commons
This criminal duo was from the Dallas area.
2. Downtown Dallas, 1933.
DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University/WikiMedia Commons
The photo shows Akard St. looking toward Baker Hotel with the Adolphus Hotel on right.
3. Eldon B. Mahon U.S. Courthouse in Fort Worth, 1934.
U.S. National Archives/WikiMedia Commons
4. A legendary Texas dust storm.
NOAA George E. Marsh Album/WikiMedia Commons
This photo was taken in 1935.
5. This style Texas Storm cellar was common in 1937 and protected against dust storms and tornados.
Dorothea Lange/WikiMedia Commons
6. Texas tenant farmer's wife working in the field, 1937.
Dorothea Lange/WikiMedia Commons

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7. St. Louis Southwestern in Dallas, 1937.
DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University/WikiMedia Commons
8. This faded mural on the wall of a building in Dallas advertised the Texas and Pacific Railroad's passenger service to Saint Louis.
Carol M. Highsmith/WikiMedia Commons
In the 1930s, the trip took what was then considered a fast 23 hours.
9. Maintenance of Douglas DC-2, American Airlines, Fort Worth, 1938.
DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University/WikiMedia Commons
Dallas - Fort Worth is the headquarters of American Airlines.
10. A former slave shows the horn used to call workers.
Russell Lee/WikiMedia Commons
The photo was taken in 1939.
11. Dallas worker at Geophysical Service Inc., in 1939.
DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University//WikiMedia Commons
12. Roughneck connecting drilling pipe, 1939.
Robert Yarnall Richie/WikiMedia Commons

Do you have family who lived in Dallas – Fort Worth during the Great Depression, and if so, do you have stories to share? We’d love to hear about them, along with any photos to share if you have.

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