A "hobo" is a term used to describe a person who travels, often by freight trains, in search of work or a better life. Unlike a vagabond, who may wander without a specific purpose, hobos typically seek employment opportunities and may move from place to place to find them. The hobo culture emerged in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the Great Depression. Hobos often carried their belongings in a bindle, a small bundle tied up in a cloth. They developed a unique set of symbols and signs to communicate with each other and to indicate safe places to sleep or find food. This community of travelers valued independence and resourcefulness, often relying on their skills to survive on the road.