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Riding the Rails
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  • Map, static: Railroad Maps
  • Interview: Tales From the Rails
  • Teacher's Resources: Teacher's Guide
  • General Article: Added Obstacles for African Americans
  • General Article: Striking a Chord: Railroads and Their Musical Heritage
  • Preview: Riding the Rails Preview
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Riding the Rails

Part of the collection: The 1930s

At the height of the Great Depression, more than a quarter million teenagers were living on the road in America, many criss-crossing the country by illegally hopping freight trains. This film tells the story of ten of these teenage hobos -- from the reasons they left home to what they experienced -- all within the context of depression-era America.

About the Film

  • Introduction
  • Cast & Crew
  • Transcript

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  • Buy The 1930s DVD Set Buy The 1930s DVD Set

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What do the 1930s mean to you? We invite you to tell us your own stories — whether you lived through the tumultuous decade or learned about it from a relative, a book or a movie. Comment on the decade as a whole, or on any of our 1930s film subjects.

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Teachers' Resources

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