Hobo Signs

To cope with the uncertainties of hobo life, hobos developed a system of symbols, or a visual code. Hobos would write this code with chalk or coal to provide directions, information, and warnings to others in "the brotherhood". A symbol would indicate "turn right here", "beware of hostile railroad police", "dangerous dog", "food available here", and so on.

Some commonly used signs:

• A cross signifies "angel food", that is, food served to the hobos after a sermon
• A triangle with hands signifies that the homeowner has a gun
• A horizontal zigzag signifies a barking dog
• A square missing its top line signifies it is safe to camp in that location
• A top hat and a triangle signify wealth
• A spearhead signifies a warning to defend oneself
• A circle with two parallel arrows means get out fast, as hobos are not welcome in the area
• Two interlocked circles signify handcuffs (i.e. hobos are hauled off to jail)
• A caduceus symbol signifies the house has a doctor living in it
• A cross with a smiley face in one of the corners means the doctor at this office will treat hobos free of charge
• A cat signifies a kind lady lives here
• A wavy line (signifying water) above an X means fresh water and a campsite
• Three diagonal lines mean it's not a safe place
• A square with a slanted roof (signifying a house) with an X through it means that the house has already been "burned" or "tricked" by another hobo and is not a trusting house
• Two shovels signify that work was available (shovels, because most hobos performed >manual labor)