Stories of the Texas Dust Bowl

The Dust Bowl refers to a series of dust storms that devastated the panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma during the 1930s. Farmland has doubled between 1900 and 1920, and tripled by 1930. This expansion required the use of mechanized farm equipment and extensive deep plowing of the land's topsoil, devastating the grasses that trapped soil and moisture during periods of drought and high winds. These storms whipped the unanchored soil into what became called "black blizzards." These dusters eroded entire farms, destroyed homes, and caused several physical and mental issues for Texans. Millions were left homeless, abandoning their dust-ridden farms and making their way to California for better opportunities.
Learn more with our web exhibit " Weathering Texas"

Corresponding TEKS:
4th - 4.5A, 4.8A
5th - 5.5A, 5.8A
7th - 7.7E, 7.9B
11th - US.12, US.16C, US.16D