Riding the Rails

Riding the Rails explores the largely forgotten stories of the thousands of young Americans who, during the Great Depression, hitched rides on freight trains in search of a better life, often facing danger and hardship along the way. Drawing from letters and oral histories, the book provides a vivid, firsthand look at their journeys, revealing the resilience and spirit of a generation shaped by survival and a longing for freedom. Through these accounts, readers gain a deeper understanding of how these experiences left a lasting impact on their lives and the American landscape.