It is astounding to think that the oldest image of historical figures like George Washington was captured 27 years after his death, despite spending years in school learning about elaborate paintings of these leaders.
In the two centuries that have passed since then, we have come a long way in terms of photography and now carry sophisticated cameras in our smartphones. Take a look at some fascinating images of notable figures from the past.
1. John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams, the son of one of the Founding Fathers, John Adams, served as the sixth President of the United States. Despite being undervalued by historians, he spent a significant portion of his political career feeling inferior to his prominent family members.
In 1843, at the age of 76, a photograph of Adams was captured, which is astonishing to think about considering that some people born in the 1700s lived long enough to have their pictures taken.
2. Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin, born in 1809, is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished scientists in history. Despite his widespread recognition, many people are unaware that there are authentic photographs of him. Darwin’s contributions to science were so momentous that by the time of his death in 1882, he had become an influential figure in the field.
The concept of evolution has permeated every facet of society, including science, literature, and politics. This particular photograph is believed to have been taken around 1854.
3. Uncle Sam
The iconic figure depicted in the “I want you for U.S. Army” poster is none other than Uncle Sam, who was originally known as Samuel Wilson. Born in 1766, he worked as a meat packer in Troy, New York.
During the War of 1812, the beef he provided in barrels was crucial to the war effort. Some people joked that the letters “U.S.” on the barrels stood for “Uncle Sam.” This photograph of him was taken in the 1850s.
4. Daniel F. Bakeman
Daniel F. Bakeman, who was born in 1759, holds the distinction of being the final surviving soldier of the Revolutionary War to be granted a veteran’s pension. In 1868, when he was a remarkable 109 years old, a photograph was taken of him, just one year before his passing in 1869.
This image is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for our country’s independence and the lasting legacy they have left behind.
5. Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass, who successfully escaped from Maryland, became a symbol of the abolitionist movement in the 1800s. This image is believed to have been captured between 1847 and 1852.
As per biographers, Douglass valued his reputation and endeavored to present himself as a serious and sober individual. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a notable feminist of the nineteenth century, fittingly described Douglass as “majestic in his rage.”
6. John Tyler
Following the unexpected demise of William Henry Harrison due to an undisclosed illness in 1841, John Tyler, who was born in 1790, assumed the presidency as the tenth President of the United States.
Regrettably, Tyler, who was a staunch supporter of states’ rights, is not held in high esteem. This photograph is believed to have been taken in 1845. Interestingly, Harrison Ruffin Tyler, the grandson of John Tyler, is still alive and in good health at the age of 95.
7. Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson’s poetry remained popular for many years after her passing, although she remained relatively unknown during her lifetime. Only a tiny fraction of her 1,800 poems were published while she was alive, and the majority were not made public until after her death in 1886.
Dickinson’s life, which began in 1830, was characterized by melancholy and isolation. The picture above is her only known adult portrait, taken in 1847.
8. Billy the Kid
Henry McCarty, who is famously known as Billy the Kid, was born in 1859 and is widely acknowledged as one of the most infamous outlaws of the Old West.
He gained notoriety for his prowess with a gun and was responsible for killing eight men before his premature death at the age of 21 in 1881.
9. Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States, was born in 1809 and is widely acclaimed as one of the most esteemed political figures in American history.
This captivating photograph portrays Lincoln at 37, as a lawyer and congressman-elect. It is the earliest-known picture of the iconic leader, displaying his youthful vigor and resolve.
10. Franklin Pierce
The 14th President of the United States was widely disliked because he believed that the abolitionist movement posed a threat to the country. He was also recognized for criticizing Abraham Lincoln during his tenure as President.
Following Lincoln’s assassination, the President had to utilize his powers of persuasion to prevent a mob from destroying his residence. This image, taken in 1855, serves as a reminder of the tumultuous political atmosphere of the era.
11. Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman, originally named Araminta Ross, was an extraordinary figure in the 19th-century abolitionist movement. She played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, a secret network of routes that aided in the escape of slaves to freedom in America and Canada.
Taken in 1868, this photograph depicts Tubman in Auburn, New York, where she settled after her heroic contributions to the anti-slavery cause.
12. Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee, born in 1807 to a Revolutionary War veteran, is known for his controversial role as a Confederate commander in the American Civil War. However, opinions about Lee’s legacy remain divided.
In this 1845 photograph, Lee is pictured with his son William Henry Fitzhugh Lee. Despite Lee’s military accomplishments, his association with the Confederacy and support of slavery have contributed to his reputation as a divisive historical figure.
13. George Armstrong Custer
The photograph depicts George Custer, born in 1839, around 1860, prior to his famous mustache. Despite his poor academic performance at West Point, Custer went on to become a notable cavalry commander, albeit with several setbacks.
He is primarily remembered for his death during the Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand.
14. Calamity Jane
Martha Jane Cannary, a celebrated frontierswoman, was born in 1852. Her life has been the subject of many myths from the Wild West period, making it challenging to distinguish truth from fiction.
Despite this, her influence has persisted and continues to be an iconic part of American history. This picture, taken in the 1880s, provides a glimpse into her world.
15. Marie Curie
Marie Curie, a brilliant physicist and chemist of Polish origin, was born in 1867. She made history by becoming the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize, and the only woman to receive it twice.
This striking photograph of Marie Curie was taken in 1900, capturing her remarkable intelligence and unwavering resolve.
16. Chief Seattle
Born in 1786, Chief Seattle was a respected leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish people in Washington State.
He is well-known for his successful efforts to establish peaceful relations with the white settlers in the Pacific Northwest, and the city of Seattle was named in his honor. This photograph, taken in 1864, offers a glimpse into his life and legacy.
17. Lev Tolstoy
It is likely that you studied the literary works of Lev Tolstoy, who was born in 1828, during your high school honors English class. His notable novels include War and Peace and Anna Karenina.
Although he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature every year from 1902 to 1906, he never received the award. This photograph, taken in 1908, depicts Tolstoy at the age of 80.
18. Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh, a renowned post-impressionist painter, was born in 1853 and is well-known in art history. However, this photograph of him may come as a surprise to many. Although he was incredibly talented, he did not receive recognition during his lifetime.
Following his death at the age of 37, his sister-in-law began loaning his paintings to galleries, and he eventually gained widespread acclaim. This portrait of Vincent van Gogh was captured in 1872.
19. Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, is widely regarded as a controversial figure in American history due to his harsh treatment of Native Americans, among other things.
This photograph captures Jackson before his death, believed to have been taken in 1844 or 1845. Born in 1767, Jackson’s legacy remains a topic of debate to this day.
20. James K. Polk
James K. Polk, born in 1795, may not be a household name today, but his presidency as the 11th U.S. president was highly productive.
He successfully achieved his goals, which included the acquisition of three new territories, resolving a boundary dispute with Texas, reducing tariffs, and strengthening the executive branch. The photograph captured in 1849 shows Polk during his presidency.
21. Arthur Wellesley
Arthur Wellesley, born in 1769, was a renowned British general who led the army during the Napoleonic Wars. His victory at Waterloo helped bring an end to Napoleon’s wars, and he was hailed as a hero across Europe.
In addition to his military career, Wellesley also served as the Prime Minister of Britain from 1828 to 1830. This photograph, taken in 1844, captures him in his later years.
22. Geronimo
Goyahkla, who was famously known as Geronimo, was a significant figure in the Apache tribe and was born in 1829.
He was the last Native American leader to formally surrender to the U.S. military, and unfortunately spent the last two decades of his life as a prisoner of war. The accompanying photograph was taken in 1887.
23. Johnny Appleseed
John Chapman, commonly known as “Johnny Appleseed,” is a figure of American folklore. He was a pioneer nurseryman who played a significant role in spreading apple trees throughout various states in the Midwest.
Born in Massachusetts in 1774, Chapman was known for his kind and generous spirit. Despite the popular image of him wearing a tin pot as a hat and ragged clothes, this photograph from the 1840s shows a more dignified and well-dressed Johnny Appleseed.
24. Harriet Beecher Stowe
Harriet Beecher Stowe, a notable abolitionist and author, was born in 1811. Her renowned novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, was published in 1852, which led her to gain considerable attention for her views against slavery, as she delivered speeches about the book and her stance on slavery throughout the nation.
Since women were not encouraged to speak publicly in those days, her siblings and husband often spoke on her behalf. This photo was taken in 1870.
25. Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Isambard Brunel, born in 1806, is a British engineer with one of the coolest names in history. He is known for his impressive feats, having constructed twenty-five railway lines and over one hundred bridges, including five suspension bridges, eight pier and dock systems, three ships, and a prefabricated army field hospital.
This photograph, taken in 1857, shows Brunel standing in front of one of his greatest achievements, the Great Eastern ship.
26. Jefferson Davis
Jefferson Davis, born in 1808, was a significant figure in American history. He fought in the Mexican-American War, served as a Mississippi senator, and was appointed Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce.
However, he is perhaps most notorious for his leadership as the President of the Confederacy during the Civil War. This photograph was taken in 1861, a few years before the Confederacy’s eventual surrender.
27. John Herschel
Sir John Herschel, born in 1792 and passed away in 1871, was a multi-talented individual with expertise in mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, and photography.
His contributions to astronomy, such as the Herschel wedge and the Julian Day calendar, are still widely used by astronomers today. This photograph of Sir John Herschel was taken in 1867 by Julia Margaret Cameron.
28. The Oldest Known Photograph
As far back as the fourth century BC, there were theories that light could have an effect on non-living objects. Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, a French inventor, used a pewter plate coated with heated bitumen of Judea and water to take the first photograph of the outside of his farm in 1826.
Despite the image appearing blurry and requiring two full days of exposure, it is widely accepted as the first-ever photograph.
29. Butch Cassidy
Butch Cassidy, whose real name was Robert LeRoy Parker, is a renowned outlaw of the Wild West. He was born in 1866 and gained notoriety as the leader of the Wild Bunch, a gang of outlaws famous for their bank and train robberies.
After about ten years of criminal activities, Cassidy, along with his partner Harry Alonzo Longabaugh and Longabaugh’s lover Etta Place, fled to Argentina. This photograph was taken in 1900.
30. Grigori Rasputin
Born in a Siberian hamlet in 1869, Grigori Rasputin was a Russian mystic who became friends with Tsar Nicholas II and his family. He gained a following and was renowned for his supposed healing powers, leading some to believe he was the secret to the Russian royal family’s longevity.
However, Rasputin’s influence over the Tsar and his wife Alexandra became a concern for some, and he was the target of several assassination attempts. In 1916, Prince Felix Yusupov finally succeeded in killing Rasputin.
31. Jesse James
32. John Brown
John Brown, an abolitionist who advocated for the immediate end of slavery, was born in 1800. He is well-known for his militant actions, including the attack on Harpers Ferry, West Virginia in October 1859.
Brown was executed a few months after the failed raid. This striking image of him was captured by Augustus Washington, an African-American photographer, in either 1846 or 1847.
33. Martin Van Buren
Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States, was born in 1782 as a naturalized American citizen.
Historians may have varying opinions on his presidential legacy, but it is undeniable that he made significant contributions to the American political system. This photograph was taken some time between 1849 and 1850.
34. Waterloo Veteran
The Battle of Waterloo, which resulted in the definitive defeat of Napoleon by the allies, was a significant turning point in human history.
Its repercussions have been felt for the following two centuries and are still present today. This photograph from the 1890s depicts a soldier who fought in the conflict.
35. Annie Oakley
Annie Oakley, born in 1860, gained fame as a sharpshooter in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and was also a subject of several pulp novels.
She became one of the most prominent figures in the late 1800s and was frequently photographed throughout her career.
36. Queen Victoria
Born in 1819, Victoria was a future monarch who lived in a time before the invention of photography. Despite this, she went on to become one of the most photographed women in the first century of photography.
Her longevity of 81 years and her 63-year reign as the British monarch were the main reasons behind her extensive photographic coverage. Her image became ubiquitous throughout the 19th century, and her style and fashion choices were widely emulated. The photographs of her also served as a means of propaganda, promoting the power and prestige of the British monarchy during a time of great social and political change.
37. Ichabod Crane
The name Ichabod Crane may be familiar to readers of Washington Irving’s classic story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, published in 1820. Although Irving never explicitly confirmed that the character was based on the real-life Colonel Ichabod Crane, the name has become synonymous with the tale.
Colonel Ichabod Crane, born in 1787, had a distinguished military career spanning five decades. Despite his historical significance, there are very few known photographs of him. The accompanying image was taken in 1848.
38. Conrad Heyer
Conrad Heyer, who was born in 1749, holds the distinction of being the earliest-born American ever photographed. He was also the first person ever captured on film. Heyer was a courageous soldier who fought alongside George Washington in the Revolutionary War, and it is said that he crossed the Delaware River with the great general.
The photograph shown here depicts Heyer at the age of 103, long after his service in the war had ended.
39. Alexander Millener
The subject of this photograph is Alexander Milliner, an extraordinary figure who lived to the age of 104 and fought as a veteran of the American Revolutionary War. The photo was taken in 1864, a time of great turmoil during the American Civil War.
Born in Quebec on March 14, 1760, Milliner’s distinguished service and remarkable longevity make him an important figure in American history.
40. Hannah Stilley Gorby
Although not a famous figure, Hannah Gorby holds the distinction of being the oldest person ever photographed. In 1840, she was captured on film at the age of 94, nearly a century after she was born in 1746.
Gorby was already in her thirties when the American Revolution began, and she witnessed significant changes throughout her long life, from the birth of a new nation to the introduction of photography. Her story provides a unique perspective on American history.