11 Historic Photos That Show Us What It Was Like Living In Arizona In The Early 1900s
By Katie Lawrence|Published August 09, 2021
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Whether it’s family photos or a history book, there’s something so nostalgic about looking at old pictures. These 11 photographs were captured in Arizona in 1940 or earlier, showcasing what life was like during the post-Depression era.
1. A street full of farmworkers' homes in Glendale, which is now one of Arizona's largest cities with a population of just under 250,000. Check out that vintage car! (1936)
2. A family of nine from the Fort Smith, Arkansas area stops to get gas between Phoenix and Yuma. They are en route to find work in the California harvests. (June 1937)
3. The sign welcoming visitors to the iconic, rough-and-tumble town of Tombstone. Not much has changed in almost a century, wouldn't you agree? (June 1937)
5. Tourists purchase a piece of petrified wood from Petrified Forest National Park. Many of these same log fragments can likely still be seen in the park today - after all, what's eight decades on 200-million-year-old trees? (September 1939)
8. An early look at the Roosevelt Dam, built between 1906 and 1911 in a narrow gorge below the Salt River and Tonto Creek. This level of hydroelectric power was a truly remarkable feat for that day and age. (May 1940)
11. A bridge marking the state line between Arizona and California. Look closely, and you'll see the speed limit was just 10 miles per hour. Do you think everyone abided by it? (April 1940)
Which of these historic Arizona photos is your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section, then check out our previous article for more vintage photographs taken in the Grand Canyon State.
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