State Historical Society of Iowa

Proposed Migrant Camps in California for Relocated Dust Bowl Families, 1935

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, [Map of California by the Rural Rehabilitation Division showing areas where different crops are grown, proposed location of initial camps for migrants, and routes of migration]," 1935

Description

This map was designed to assist Dust Bowl families in relocating to migrant camps in California. It was created in 1935 by the Rural Rehabilitation Division to show areas where different crops were grown, the proposed location of initial camps for migrants, and routes of migration.

Transcript of Proposed Migrant Camps in California Map

Source Dependent Questions

  • Look closely at the map. What are the most significant features? How do those features help you understand the Dust Bowl migrant experience?
  • List the different crops grown in California. How is that list similar or different to those grown on the Great Plains? What challenges would that have posed for migrants?
  • What is the relationship between the location and number of migrant camps and the routes of migration? Make an inference about what that means for the nature of migrant farm work and the lives of migrants.
  • How might this map have inspired hope in migrant families or those considering migration to escape the Dust Bowl?

Citation Information

"[Map of California by the Rural Rehabilitation Division showing areas where different crops are grown, proposed location of initial camps for migrants, and routes of migration]," 1935. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress