25 Photos That Give Insight Into The Reality Of American Life During The 1800s
We’ve seen enough movies about American life to make our own assessments about the historical events that have led the USA to its current trajectory. However, we can safely assume that most of the cinematic depictions were likely manipulations by the media to create a specific narrative.
Historical photos, on the other hand, are a far more authentic and accurate representation of what life was like 200 years ago in the ‘land of the free’. This collection of rare vintage images allows us to deduce the context behind the candid captures of American life in the 1800s . The nuanced visuals give us a better understanding of the real story, so dive in because the past is our greatest teacher.
#1 The First Automobile Comes To Town! 1896
Henry Ford drives his first automobile. By the late 1800’s, people had traveled by wagon, stagecoach, train, bicycle, horseback and trolley. Automobiles had not yet been invented until Henry Ford created the quadricycle, his first attempt at a vehicle that was gas powered. It was constructed of cast iron for ther outer body and a leather belt and chairn for a transmission.
#2 Abraham Lincoln, Candidate For U.S. President, Three-Quarter Length Portrait, 1860
#3 International Council Of Women, 1888
The international council of women became the first organization of women to promote the advancement of women’s rights and equality. Emerged from the growing discourse around gender- based injustice that was prevalent in the later part of the 19th century.
#4 Gold Miners In Aubine Ravine, California, 1852
#5 Thomas Edison In His Newark, NJ Laboratory, 1870
#6 Children Playing In Their Classroom, Iowa, 1892
#7 Native American Prisoners Of The Red River War, 1875
#8 “Nomads Of The Street”, Street Children In Their Sleeping Quarters, New York, 1890s
In the late 19th century, there were a large number of homeless children on the streets of New York. Some of the children who lived in the streets had homes, but preferred to sleep on the street, as their tenements were often too small, unsanitary, or overcrowded.
#9 Bandits’ Roost, 59 1/2 Mulberry Street, 1889
Part of How the Other Half Lives, an early photojournalist publication pursuing better conditions for the lower class of New York City. The photo and publication’s impact was such that they contributed to the crime-ridden Bend’s replacement with Columbus Park.
#10 Crinoline Used To Support Victorian-Era Dresses, 1860
#11 On The Lawn At The White House For The Easter Egg Roll, 1898
#12 “Ruins In Richmond” Damage To Franklin Paper Mill And Arsenal In Richmond, Virginia From The American Civil War, 1865
#13 The Brooklyn Bridge Construction, 1883
#14 The New York Stock Exchange, Late 1890s
#15 Main Street Buffalo, NY During The Funeral Procession Of Abraham Lincoln, 1865
#16 Sod And Mud Home, 1887
While the east coast was building wooden structures like our little cottage, that were more reminiscent of homes in Britain; the west was building homes from sod, mud and grass. Wood and other materials were not as plentiful on the great plains.
#17 Telephone Exchange Employees In New York, 1896
#18 The Great Oklahoma Land Rush , 1893
#19 James Hopkinsons Plantation Slaves Planting Sweet Potatoes, 1862
#20 Construction Of The St. Paul, Mn To Seattle, WA Railroad, 1887
From 1879 to 1893, it was Americas largest railway system, which became the Great Northern Railway.
#21 The First Boardwalk, 1870
#22 Recruitment Of Soldiers For The War Against Spain (Spanish-American War), Shortly After The Sinking Of The Maine, 1898
#23 Ellis Island Opens, 1892
#24 The Annie, First Boat Ever Launched On Yellowstone Lake, William Henry Jackson Photo Taken During The 1871 Hayden Geological Survey
#25 Traveling Medicine Salesman In Oklahoma, 1895
Shanilou Perera
Shanilou has always loved reading and learning about the world we live in. While she enjoys fictional books and stories just as much, since childhood she was especially fascinated by encyclopaedias and strangely enough, self-help books. As a kid, she spent most of her time consuming as much knowledge as she could get her hands on and could always be found at the library. Now, she still enjoys finding out about all the amazing things that surround us in our day-to-day lives and is blessed to be able to write about them to share with the whole world as a profession.
