Historical Photos That Will Stay With You Forever

By staff | June 12, 2018

The funny thing about pictures is that they are worth more than a thousand words. Some photos from the past make us cry while others compel us to think and work towards building a more inclusive society. Here are 19 pictures that will definitely have an impact on your worldview going forward.

Buckingham Palace Is Showered With Flowers

The untimely death of Princess Diana in 1997 was nothing short of devastating. Such is the reason why European citizens came from near and far to place flowers outside of Buckingham Palace in honor of her life. The aerial view of the conglomeration of flowers presented is only a snapshot of the love that the masses had for Princess Diana.

 American Soldiers Return From World War II

The Second World War devastated various regions. In many ways, though, the war gave the United States the opportunity to establish itself as a world power. These American soldiers returning from the battleground in 1945 represents the significant presence that was the United States during World War II.

Packing Out The Phone Booth

Before there were computers and smartphones, there were telephone booths. Teenagers during the 1960s used these small boxes for more than just checking in with mom and dad while hanging out with friends. This group of young men decided to see just how many bodies the average telephone booth could hold. Does anyone else feel sorry for the poor souls at the bottom of this pile?

The Statue Of Liberty Lives

Of course, the Statue of Liberty is quite significant in New York. The image represents the immigration upon which America is founded and the opportunity for a better life. Perhaps the significance of the Statue of Liberty is why this group of Iowans decided to form a human image resembling Lady Liberty. It looks like the real thing at first glance, doesn’t it?

Russian Soldiers Love Cats

There is war and then there is unconditional love. These soldiers were overtaken by affection while on duty in 1941. Somehow a sleeping cat assures you that everything will be okay; even when you are in the middle of a world war.

Library Living

We’ve heard of large libraries, but there is no image that represents the notion of being surrounded by books quite like this photo. Can you imagine working as a library page in this place? You would never complete your shelf-reading duties!

Fearless Boy Plays With Tank

What do you do when you want to play outside and there is no slide in sight? Why, take a swing on an abandoned tank, of course! This little one will let nothing stand in the way of his adventures outside.

 “Meet My Pet Alligator”

Just when you think you’ve seen every type of pet possible, a little girl comes your way with an alligator on a leash. We think she had this dangerous creature confused with a horse. Perhaps, the alligator was going through a bit of an identity crisis as well since he willingly trudges along. People and their pets!

Makeshift Basketball Days

In another case of “it’s playtime,” these children living in the Soviet Union appeared determined to make the best of things in 1957. They didn’t have a permanent basketball court so they made use of a makeshift structure. What can we say? When it’s ball time, it’s ball time.

Baby Crying After War

Sometimes the aftermath of battle is worse than the fight itself. This image of a Japanese child crying while apparently injured and definitely alone is one picture that makes you question the heart of humanity. How can we as a species be so cold?

Soldier Feeds Cat

Perhaps this candid of a soldier will restore a little faith in humanity. The cat was hungry and so, naturally, this warrior decided to get down on the ground and feed the feline. Animals teach us so much about compassion, don’t they?

Dog Guards Toddler

You’ve heard about guard dogs and this canine was definitely on his job. The toddler owner was too concerned with exploring the body of water to realize the potential danger of drowning. Never to fear, though. This guard dog saw the problem and provided a solution. He didn’t let go of that kid’s coattail.

Divers Taking Risks

What better way to practice for the Olympic Games than by leaping into the Thames? These athletes did just that in 1934. We don’t know if they were practicing for the Olympics or not, but their form is pretty good, don’t you think?

Phone Tower Origins

The satellite has completely revolutionized the telephone industry. Whereas cords were once the lifelines that helped us communicate, now it is the signal strength of towers that connect us with each other. The likelihood of returning to an era in which telephone lines rule the world is pretty grim. We can, however, appreciate this photo of an original phone tower from 1890. Yes, that white mist that looks like fog is actually conglomerations of connectors. Unbelievable, right?

The Golden State Bridge: Beginnings

Can you imagine the Bay Area of California without the Golden State Bridge? Neither can we. There was, however, a time when the connection did not exist. This photo is a reminder of all of the work that went into what we recognize as one of the longest bridges in the United States. It’s crazy to see the simplicity of such structure, isn’t it?

Woodstock Festival, 1969

There will never be another celebration of music like the Woodstock Festival of 1969. This aerial view of the outdoor party says it all. Look at all of those people!

The Fall of Nagasaki, 1945

The atomic bomb was the first time that nuclear chemicals were used in war. This image shows the horrifying moment that Nagasaki, Japan, fell to the power of such weaponry. Are we the only ones who hope nuclear war never happens again?

Treating Heart Disease In The 19th Century

We aren’t sure of what this machine did, but it was a sure way to treat heart disease during the 1800s. At least the patient looks comfortable.

 Smallest Storefront, Ever!

No, the lemonade stand is not the star of this picture. The man who owns the shoe shop underneath the stand is the focus of the candid. Only determination compels you to reach for the stars when you are literally so close to the ground. We appreciate hard work, though!