USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Some left to escape poverty or troubled families, others because it seemed a great adventure. At the height of the Great Depression, more than 250, 000 teenagers were living on the road in America. Many criss-crossed the country by hopping freight trains, although it was both dangerous and illegal.

Detailed explanation-2: -Most hoboes would hide along the tracks outside the yard. They’d run along the train as it gained speed, grab hold and jump into open boxcars. Sometimes, they missed. Many lost their legs or their lives.

Detailed explanation-3: -The term “hobo” is a loose one used to define everything from happy-go-lucky train hoppers to large homeless communities (and sometimes derogatorily so). But in its most popular definition, itinerant workers traveling the country by train use the word to describe themselves and their unique and intentional lifestyle.

Detailed explanation-4: -For a variety of reasons the practice is less common in the 21st century, although a community of freight-train riders still exists. The practice was heralded in popular culture of 20th century America with songs such as “King of the Road", and films like Emperor of the North Pole.