Throughout the 1930's, a severe drought affected much of the American Midwest. Mainly the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. Parts of Colorado and New Mexico were also affected.

Farmers at the time used practices that deprived the soil of its nutrients and increased the possibility of erosion.

Heavy plows had destroyed the Prairies natural grasses that held the soil together and kept it moist. The dry soil turned to dust and blew away in the wind, creating massive dust storms known as Black Blizzards.

Millions were acres were affected by the towering dust clouds ruining crops and patches. Farms and businesses were devatated, as were the people. The dust entered their eyes and lungs, causing severe breathing difficulties.

With no crops to be sold or money to be made, many families packed up their belongings and headed West for California.

These migrants became known as 'Okies,' because so many of them came from Oklahoma.

It wasn't until the 1940's when the rains finally returned to the Great Plains.

By then, farmers had learned about soil conservation and correcting the soil conditions. Millions of trees were planted to hold the soil in place and reduce the blowing dust.

The Dust Bowl was one of the many devastations that occurred during the Great Depression. But through conservation and better farming techniques, the region slowly recovered.