Hobo Signs & Symbols

Hobo signs were made by the nomadic workers who roamed the United States, taking jobs wherever they could, and never spending too long in any one place. The Great Depression (1929–1939) was when numbers were likely at their highest, as it forced an estimated 4,000,000 adults to leave their homes in search of food and lodging. To cope with the uncertainties of life, hobos developed a system of symbols they’d write with chalk or coal to provide fellow hobos with directions, help, and warnings.

We don't see these signs too often today, but occasionally they do appear. The hobo signs, symbols, and language are a unique part of American history, that may still be useful today. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobo) 


The WayPoint Survival YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@WayPointSurvival) has a number of interesting videos on the hobo lifestyle and survival on the road.


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