00During the 1930s, about half a million people traveled west on Route 66 to the agricultural valleys of California.

Most were tenant farmers who had lost their farm leases during a wave of agricultural consolidation brought on by government programs intended to raise the price of farm products.

Others left home when the drought and dust storms blew their farms away.

Why choose California for a fresh start?

Its mild climate and long growing season for many different crops meant there would be a need for farm workers for most of the year.

And these people were used to working the land.

Get full access to Photo of the Day at look.substack.com/subscribe