1. Radio
 / Modified jul 17, 2011 1:23 p.m.

Riding the Rails

During the Depression, tens of thousands of teenagers hopped freight trains in search of a better life elsewhere. Tuesday at 10 p.m. on PBS-HD. by Colleen Greer

At the height of the Great Depression, more than a quarter million teenagers were living on the road in America, many criss-crossing the country by illegally hopping freight trains.

am exp riding the rails American Experience Riding the Rails
PBS

What they discovered was a mixture of adventure, camaraderie, hardship and loneliness. They saw a country in turmoil and found experiences that impacted them for the rest of their lives -- their ultimate freedom traded for despair, lack of jobs, and even death. Through first-hand accounts, American Experience recalls the stories of teen drifters crisscrossing America during tough times.

American Experience

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