Who Is Florence Owens Thompson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Florence Owens Thompson was born on September 1, 1903, and passed away on October 16, 1983, aged 80. She is best remembered as the subject of Dorothea Lange's iconic photograph “Migrant Mother,” which captured the struggles of American families during the Great Depression. This image became a symbol of resilience in the face of hardship and has left a lasting impact on American history and art. In 2025, Thompson's legacy continues to be celebrated for its representation of human dignity and the plight of migrant families.
| Occupation | Other |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 1, 1903 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 16 September, 1983 |
| Died Place | Scotts Valley, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Florence Owens Thompson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Florence Owens Thompson's height and weight are not extensively documented, she was described in her youth as having a sturdy build, typical of those who labored in agriculture during difficult times. Her measurements remain less relevant today than her impact as a significant cultural figure.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Florence Owens Thompson was a mother of ten children and was married to a migrant worker. Her life was marked by both struggle and the profound love she had for her family. Although details of her romantic relationships beyond her marriage are not widely documented, her commitment to her children and their welfare remained at the forefront of her life. As of 2025, her family legacy continues through her descendants who honor her story.
Florence Owens Thompson (born Florence Leona Christie; September 1, 1903 – September 16, 1983) was an American woman who was the subject of Dorothea Lange's photograph Migrant Mother (1936), considered an iconic image of the Great Depression. The Library of Congress titled the image: "Destitute pea pickers in California. Mother of seven children.
Age thirty-two. Nipomo, California." Thompson was called the "Mona Lisa of the 1930s."
Net Worth and Salary
Florence Owens Thompson's financial status during her life reflected the hardships faced by many farm workers during the Great Depression. Specific figures are difficult to ascertain, but it is acknowledged that income for migrant workers during her time was often meager. In 2025, any discussions of her net worth focus on her cultural significance rather than monetary wealth, as her legacy is invaluable and continues to inspire generations.
On March 6, 1936, after picking beets in the Imperial Valley, Thompson and her family were traveling on U.S. Highway 101 towards Watsonville "where they had hoped to find work in the lettuce fields of the Pajaro Valley." On the road, the car's timing chain snapped and they coasted to a stop just inside a pea-pickers' camp on Nipomo Mesa.
They were shocked to find so many people camping there—as many as 2,500 to 3,500. A notice had been sent out for pickers, but the crops had been destroyed by freezing rain, leaving them without work or pay.
Years later, Thompson told an interviewer that when she cooked food for her children that day, other children appeared from the pea pickers' camp asking, "Can I have a bite?"
Career, Business & Investments
Thompson's primary role was that of a migrant farm worker, laboring in the fields to support her family. Her career, though challenging, highlighted the resilience of countless families during difficult economic times. As an emblem of the working class during the Great Depression, her contribution eventually turned into a symbol of the labor struggle, especially for women. In terms of business and investments, Thompson did not operate any modern business ventures, but her story has spurred various initiatives aimed at helping migrant workers and advocating for labor rights since her image became widely recognized.
Social Network
While Florence Owens Thompson herself did not engage with social media as we know it today, her legacy has found substantial presence online. Various organizations, museums, and individuals share her story through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, educating the public about her enduring impact. Documentaries and historical archives also contribute to her memory, allowing new generations to connect with her life and the broader issues surrounding migrant labor.
Troy Owens, one of Thompson's sons, recounted: "There's no way we sold our tires, because we didn't have any to sell. The only ones we had were on the Hudson and we drove off in them. I don't believe Dorothea Lange was lying; I just think she had one story mixed up with another. Or she was borrowing to fill in what she didn't have."
Education
There is limited information regarding formal education in Florence Owens Thompson's early life, as many from her background were required to work from a young age to support their families. Education was often a luxury for those in her circumstances. However, through her life experiences and the wisdom gained from hardship, Thompson became an emblem of education in resilience and survival for those who study her story today.
Florence Owens Thompson's life serves as a powerful narrative that goes beyond her image; it embodies the spirit of endurance and the enduring fight for dignity in the face of adversity. As we move into 2025, her story remains a crucial part of American history and continues to resonate in discussions about social justice, labor rights, and empathy for those facing dire circumstances.
While Jim Hill, her partner, and two of Thompson's sons went into town to get parts to repair the car, Thompson and some of the children set up a temporary camp. As she waited, photographer Dorothea Lange, working for the Resettlement Administration, drove up and started taking photos of Thompson and her family. She took seven images in the course of ten minutes.
