Antique Postcard Hobos

Hobo is a term that refers to a subculture of wandering homeless people, particularly those who make a habit of hopping freight trains.

The iconic image of a hobo is that of a downtrodden, shabbily-dressed and perhaps drunken male, one that was solidified in American culture during the Great Depression.

Hobos are often depicted carrying a bindle or a sign asking for money, work or food.

Hobos differentiate themselves as travelers who are homeless and willing to do work, whereas a tramp travels but will not work and a bum does neither.