What is a Hobo?

Hobos are individuals who travel from place to place in search of a better life. Historically, Hobos were mostly men who had left their homes in search of work, adventure, or new places to live. These travelers often used freight trains to move from city to city, living a nomadic lifestyle. Hobos were usually penniless, reliant on begging and odd jobs to survive. This travelling lifestyle gained popularity in the United States during the Great Depression and was thought of as a way for desperate individuals to survive during a time of economic hardship.

Hobos and the History of the American West

Hobos were a significant part of the Westward Movement in the United States. They moved along with the pioneers who were travelling in search of a better life. While these travellers may have started out with little hope or money, hobos often had dreams of finding gold or other forms of wealth. They were a strong part of the American narrative during this period of time.

The Hobo Code

As the number of hobos travelling on the nation’s railway network grew, so did the need for rules and regulations to guide their behaviour. This collection of regulations, known as the Hobo code, was created to make sure the locals felt safe and respected. These rules regulated things like begging, drinking, and stealing, and was closely followed by many of the hobos.

The name “Hobo”

The origin of the term “hobo” is unknown, but it is thought to have originally been an abbreviation of the words “hopping freight” or “homeward bound.” Today, the term has come to represent the spirit of adventure and freedom that has drawn many people to pursue the lifestyle of a hobo.

Hobos Today

Although the Great Depression has long since passed, there are still many hobos travelling around the United States. Some of them continue to ride the rails in search of jobs and adventure, while others are modern-day vagabonds who live off-grid and rely on their wits and charm to get by. Hobos today may look different than they did in the past, but the same spirit of restlessness and wanderlust remains.

Conclusion

Hobos are an important part of American history and continue to be an important reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. They are a reminder of the need to explore and of the courage it takes to face an uncertain and sometimes frightening future. While their lifestyle is often looked down upon, these men and women inspire the rest of us to travel, to seek out the unknown and to never give up hope.