West Virginia has seen some tough times, some still somewhat fresh in local memory… and that includes The Great Depression. During the 1930s, West Virginians suffered greatly, but we found a way to survive just as we always do. Let’s take a look back at these fascinating historic photos of West Virginia from The Great Depression.

1. This is an amazing photo of a lone child of a store keeper in Logan County. It was taken in 1930.
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Starting in 1929, West Virginia began to suffer dramatically. In fact, it was one of the states hit hardest by the Great Depression, and unemployment was as high as 80 percent in some counties!
2. This photo taken by Marion Post Wolcott shows two miners headed home down a road in McDowell County during The Great Depression.
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3. This photo shows a West Virginia family literally living on the water during the Great Depression.
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As the economy toppled, so, too, did local coal mining industry. As a result, once bustling mines became ghost towns, and thousands of families were impacted. Naturally, tax relief was sought... could this family have chosen to live on the water to avoid homeowners taxes?
4. This photo of a mother lying down with her small child was taken in Charleston during The Great Depression.
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5. During the Great Depression women were using sacks from mills to make their children’s clothes. Once mills in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio realized this they began using flowered fabrics to create their sacks.
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In between chores and cooking, many supported their families by taking up work with the Works Progress Administration. This group organized efforts to improve local neighborhoods while employing those in need. As a result, we received features like stonework,

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6. This is a photo was taken of miner’s shanties in Monongalia County. This mining community was located in Cassville. Miners often lived in shanties in slum-like conditions.
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7. This is a rare photo of the eccentric Orval Elijah Brown during The Great Depression. Brown lived in Lizemores and was well known for his free spirit. He was often referred to as the “Clay County Wildman.”
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With a title like "Clay County Wildman," how can one forget Mr. Brown?! This character actually abstained from drugs, sex, and alcohol. In 1950, he was arrested for the murder of his first cousin, an act he claimed to be in self defense. Nonetheless, he spent nearly two decades at the state mental hospital.
8. This is a photo of West Virginia black coal miners waiting outside the Company Store. The photo was taken in 1935. The miners worked in the Pursglove Mine located in Scotts Run.
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9. A side show performer gets up close and personal with a group of West Virginians during a 1938 rally.
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Interestingly, the concept of the "freak show" remained popular even as the Depression marched onward. Perhaps it was the escape that such an attraction offered from reality, or perhaps it was the fame of performers like Daisy and Violet Hilton and Tod Browning's 1932 movie Freaks.
10. This photograph shows a group of unemployed miners at a meeting of the Workers Alliance Council. This was taken during The Great Depression in Scott’s Run.
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As we look through these photos we are reminded to be grateful for all that we have today. Did you ever hear about the impact of the Great Depression in West Virginia from your family? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments.

Love West Virginian history? Our landscape may have once been inhabited by giants… just take a look at our archaeological record!

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