The 1930s was a difficult decade for America, and Virginia was no exception. The Great Depression meant extreme economic crises that affected nearly everyone. The market crashed in October of 1929 and 25% of the workforce lost their jobs. Factories shut down, production was halted, homes were foreclosed, and the banking system all but collapsed. Most counties in Virginia had to shorten their school terms to less than eight months. Virginia’s farms were hit particularly hard and the deterioration of buildings and equipment was evident. The following series of photographs offers a window into Virginia during this time, showing both resilience and hardship. Some homes appear on the brink of collapsing, while others remain perfectly intact as though not affected at all. Such was the experience of Virginians during this time.
- Wife and child of a settler in Old Rag, Virginia
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
- Abandoned house in Nicholson Hollow
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
- Main Street in Nethers, Virginia
Arthur Rothstein/Photgrammar
- A framehouse in Fredericksburg
Walker Evans/Photogrammar
- More framehouses in Fredericksburg
Walker Evans/Photogrammar
- Dwelling of Dr. Howe at the Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia
Paul Carter/Photogrammar
- Young boy passing the hours in the Camp Croft area of Rockingham
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
- A house in Rosslyn, Virginia
John Vachon/Photogrammar
- Another series of homes in Rosslyn
John Vachon/Photogrammar
- Mason’s Hall on East Franklin Street in Richmond
Wikimedia
- A rocky farm in Alleghany County
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
- A farmhouse in Rappahannock, Virginia.
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
- Migratory agricultural farmers arrive at their new home in Onley, Virginia
Jack Delano/Photogrammar
- Corbin Hollow in Shenandoah National Park
Arthur Rothstein/Photgrammar
- Rooming houses in Radford
John Vachon/Photogrammar
- A boy of Corbin Hollow, in Shenandoah National Park
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
These photos give us such a unique look into what life was like in Virginia during the Great Depression. While we admire the strength of those who experienced this time, we’re so grateful for the greater stability we have now.
Arthur Rothstein/Photogrammar
Arthur Rothstein/Photgrammar
Walker Evans/Photogrammar
Paul Carter/Photogrammar
John Vachon/Photogrammar
Wikimedia
Jack Delano/Photogrammar
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