During the period of the Great American Depression, “hobos” created a system of symbols to communicate and assist fellow travelers. These symbols would mark a home, farm, fence or other structure to indicate what to expect in the area. They would tip off travelers on how to find food, stay safe and what to avoid and more. In some areas of the USA, these symbols are still visible and have also become part of the American popular culture.

These 96 symbols are accompanied by a pdf describing what the symbol was used to indicate. The meanings and symbols are by no means the complete list and there may be additional or alternative meanings. These are for casual use and not historical or anthropologically completely accurate.