In 1938, New Madrid County, Missouri, stood as a testament to the resilience of rural America during the lingering years of the Great Depression.

Located in the fertile Mississippi Delta, the county was home to hardworking families who relied on agriculture to sustain their livelihoods. Most families were sharecroppers or tenant farmers, cultivating land they didn’t own in exchange for a share of the harvest. Life was tough, but a strong sense of community and self-reliance kept these families moving forward.

Sharecropping dominated the county’s landscape, a system that provided opportunities for families without land but often trapped them in cycles of poverty. The small wooden shacks where these families lived were simple, often without modern conveniences like electricity or indoor plumbing. Yet, inside those homes, life went on. One poignant photograph taken by Russell Lee in 1938 shows a young boy, the son of a sharecropper, standing in a modest bedroom, combing his hair. The image captures the pride and dignity these families held onto, even in the face of daily struggles.

Days in New Madrid County followed the rhythm of the seasons. Parents and older children rose early to tend the fields, their work dictated by the needs of cotton, corn, or soybean crops. Younger children either helped with chores or attended local one-room schoolhouses, where they learned the basics before returning home to contribute to the family’s survival. Despite long hours and scarce resources, families found moments of joy and connection. Community gatherings, church services, and storytelling by the fire brought people together, offering respite from the hard realities of farm life.

The resilience and determination of the people of New Madrid County in 1938 continue to resonate. Their ability to find pride, community, and hope amidst adversity serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit. These stories and images not only preserve a way of life but also inspire future generations to face challenges with the same fortitude and grace. “Through hard times and humble means, the strength of a community lies in its people.”


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