Vintage Trailers

A History of American Trailer Parks

by Crystal Adkins · Published January 31, 2014 · Updated April 8, 2018

trailer park-the history of mobile home parks

The history of the American trailer park is one of the most interesting aspects of our culture.

History of the American Trailer Park

The term ‘trailer’ is used to describe the original pulled camper concepts that came about in the first half of the 20th century. Job scarcity and housing shortages made these homes popular. However, the stigma surrounding the homes formed right along with the home’s development.

Related: When Vintage Trailers Grew Up.

There’s a bit of a misunderstanding about the terms trailer, mobile home and manufactured home. Trailers refer to the original homes that were pulled by cars. After WWII, safety standards and tighter regulations developed into what we call mobile homes. Only homes built after 1976, when the federal HUD regulations began, are considered manufactured homes.

This 30-minute video focuses on the trailer home and is a jewel for anyone that enjoys learning about the history of the homes and the stories of their owners. Enjoy!

Crystal Adkins

I'm Crystal Adkins, the creator of Mobile Home Living, and I hope you've found the mobile home remodeling ideas, decorating inspiration, and repair help you've been searching for. Please consider letting me feature your remodels, room makeovers, DIY projects, and home improvement projects. There simply isn't enough inspiration available for mobile homeowners and I want to change that. Together, we can show the world that factory-built homes are as beautiful as any other at half the cost per square foot. Thank you!