The Dust Bowl of the 1930s was a dark time in U.S. history, and a devastating period for southeastern Colorado.

Thousands Dead, Millions Homeless

The Dust Bowl was one of the worst ecological disasters in our country's history. Millions of aces in Colorado, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico were severely impacted. Thousands of people died, millions were left homeless, millions of acres of farmland were wiped out, and hundreds of animals died.

Get our free mobile app

What Caused the Disastrous Dust Bowl?

The problem has been traced back to the Homestead Act of 1862 when Americans were allowed to claim any 160 acres for free - as long as it was farmed for five years. When the plow and tractor came along in the early 1900s, so much of the natural grasses that kept dry soil in place were plowed up for farming. The soil was exposed to the elements like never before.

Then came the drought in the 1930s. Southeastern Colorado received only 126 total inches of rain between 1930 and 1939. That was 205 inches less than the previous decade. With fewer crops to protect the soil, the drought, and high winds, the ensuing dust storms were devastating.

Soil Conservation Service (Public Domain)
Soil Conservation Service (Public Domain)
loading...

Significant and Devastating Impact In Southeastern Colorado

The impact of the Dust Bowl was substantial in southeastern Colorado, most notably Baca County, which sits very close to the very middle of the Dust Bowl impact area. Life in this area during the 1930s was difficult - and nearly unbearable.

20 Facts You Didn't Know About the Colorado Dust Bowl

Here's a quick look at 20 facts about the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and how it so dramatically impacted Colorado both economically and environmentally.

A Pictorial History of Trains in Western Colorado

For close to 50 years, Grand Junction photographer Robert Grant captured images of life on the Western Slope. As you very well know, Western Colorado and railroads go hand in hand. These are a handful of images lifted from negatives from Robert Grant's personal collection.

Welcome to Colorado: The History of Welcome Signs in the Centennial State

Colorado is surrounded by seven neighboring states with multiple highways that will lead you in and out from all sides. More than 40 Welcome to Colorful Colorado road signs are waiting to greet visitors. Scroll on to find out where they are and to get a glimpse of each of them.

 

 

 

More From K99