50 Iconic and Rare Historical Photographs

We at HistoryColored have decided to curate 50 interesting, rare and iconic photos from history. There are many reasons why a photograph may be featured on this list. Some of the reasons include: it was the first time something was ever captured on camera, it shows a famous figure from history, the image depicts an important historical event, it is a “rare” photo that does not get shared as much as it should, or it is an “iconic” historical photo. It may not fall under any of these categories but can still be featured in this list for a different reason.

These photographs are in no particular order. They have been curated and added to the list over a long period of time, so no decision was taken on how they should be ordered. Be sure to take the time to check out every historical photograph featured on this list!

As well as this list, be sure to check out the other photos featured on HistoryColored!

1. The First Photograph Ever Taken, 1826 or 1827

The first photograph in history, the view from a window at Le Gras in 1826 or 1827.
The oldest surviving photograph to exist. It was taken by pioneer photographer, Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. The scene depicts a view from a window in Nicéphore Niépce’s estate known as Le Gras in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes, Bourgogne, France in 1826 or 1827. Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

2. General William Tecumseh Sherman, circa 1865

Side profile photograph of General William Tecumseh Sherman in his Union Army military uniform in c. 1865
Side profile of Union Army Major General, and the Commanding General of the US Army, William Tecumseh Sherman, in his Union Army military uniform in circa 1865. Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

3. Dali Atomicus, 1948

Salvador Dali suspended in mid air along with other objects within the iconic photograph Dali Atomicus taken in 1948
The photographic artwork by Philippe Halsman called “Dali Atomicus” showing three cats water, an easel, a chair, and Salvador Dalí all frozen in mid-air, 1948. This was the 28th attempt at taking this photograph. Credit: Library of Congress // Public Domain

4. The Solvay Conference on Quantum Mechanics, 1927

Key attendees of the 1927 Solvay conference photographed sitting down and in suits. The names are Auguste Piccard, Émile Henriot, Paul Ehrenfest, Édouard Herzen, Théophile de Donder, Erwin Schrödinger, Jules-Émile Verschaffelt, Wolfgang Pauli, Werner Heisenberg, Ralph Howard Fowler, Léon Brillouin,
Peter Debye, Martin Knudsen, William Lawrence Bragg, Hendrik Anthony Kramers, Paul Dirac, Arthur Compton, Louis de Broglie, Max Born, Niels Bohr,
Irving Langmuir, Max Planck, Marie Skłodowska Curie, Hendrik Lorentz, Albert Einstein, Paul Langevin, Charles Eugène Guye, Charles Thomson Rees Wilson, Owen Willans Richardson
The 1927 Solvay Conference on Quantum Mechanics at the Institut International de Physique Solvay in Brussels, Belgium. This image features many of the greatest scientists in modern history. Some of those that you may recognize are: Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Max Planck, Niels Bohr, and Auguste Piccard. See the full list of names here. Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

5. King George V & Tsar Nicholas II Together, 1913

Nicholas II of Russia photographed alongside similar looking and cousin King George V of the United Kingdom, while wearing military uniform.
First cousins and royals Tsar Nicholas II of Russia (left) & King George V of the United Kingdom (right) photographed together wearing military uniforms in Berlin, Germany, 1913. Credit: Library of Congress // Public Domain

6. The Manhattan Bridge Under Construction, 1909

Photographs of the Manhattan Bridge under construction. You can see the layout of the bridge but there is still a lot to build. March 23 1909.
The construction of the Manhattan Bridge on the East River in New York City. This photograph was taken on March 23, 1909. The bridge finished construction in 1909 and first opened up on the 31st of December 1909. Credit: Library of Congress // Public Domain

7. Soviet Prisoner of War, 1940

An injured Prisoner of War from the Soviet Union with a bandage around his bloody head, with clothing wrapped around his body. He looks cold as he is near the Arctic Circle where temperatures can get to -43 degrees Celsius
An injured Soviet Prisoner of War (POW) dressed in new clothes near the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland, during the Winter War on the 6th of January 1940. Credit: Military Museum of Finland // CC BY 4.0

8. Dr. Wernher von Braun with 5 F-1 Engines

Aerospace engineer Wernher von Braun standing next to five F-1 rocket engines in 1969.
Dr. Wernher von Braun, an aerospace engineer that was a leading figure in Nazi German rocket technology, and then United States rocket technology, photographed standing in front of five F-1 rocket engines in circa 1969. Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domains

I Followed My Fiancé on His Sudden Business Trip Right Before Our Wedding and Discovered the Heartbreaking Truth — Story of the Day

Two days before my wedding, my fiancé Robert dropped a bombshell—he had to leave for a sudden trip. Something felt off, and when a call from his boss didn’t add up, I followed him. What I uncovered wasn’t what I expected, leaving me questioning trust, love, and the man I was about to marry.

When I turned thirty, I couldn’t help but feel a growing fear that I might never get married. I worried that love had passed me by. But here I was—just two days away from becoming a wife.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

It felt like a dream. I was about to start a new chapter with Robert, the man who had stolen my heart and shown me what love could truly be. Robert was everything I’d ever wanted: smart, sweet, and endlessly kind.

Even when I was upset, he could make me laugh with his silly jokes or warm smile. I felt complete.

But that joy wavered the moment Robert walked into the bedroom. His uneasy expression stopped me cold. Something was wrong.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What’s wrong?” I asked as soon as I noticed his troubled expression.

Robert hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “Katherine, I’m so sorry, but I have to go on a work trip.”

“What?” I said, my brow furrowing. “But our wedding is in two days.”

“I know,” he said, his voice soft. “I promise I’ll be back in time. Maybe even the night before the wedding.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Are you serious right now? You’re leaving me alone at a time like this?” My voice was sharper than I intended, but I couldn’t help it.

Robert sighed and stepped closer. “I wouldn’t go if it wasn’t important. Everything is already planned, so nothing should go wrong. I’m sorry it’s happening this way, but I really have to go.”

“But why?” I asked, feeling the heat rising in my face. Words failed me as I tried to keep my emotions in check.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Robert pulled me into a hug, holding me tightly. “I hate doing this to you, but we have our whole lives ahead of us. I’ll always be there for you, Katherine.”

“Who’s going with you?” I asked, my voice quieter now.

“Travis. That’s why it’s so important,” he said. I knew Travis was his boss, and I understood. Still, I wanted to scream like a child. But I swallowed it. I was an adult, after all.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Fine,” I said after a long pause. “But think about how you’re going to make this up to me while you’re gone.”

Robert chuckled softly, his lips brushing my forehead. “Alright,” he said. Then, he turned and began packing.

Robert moved quickly, folding clothes and placing them into his bag. I stayed on the bed, watching him silently, hoping he’d change his mind. Each item he packed felt like a step farther from me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My eyes wandered to the edge of the bed where his plane tickets sat. The destination caught my attention.

I didn’t think his company worked in that city. Maybe they were expanding, I thought, trying to convince myself it made sense.

When he finished, I walked him to the door. He hugged me tightly, kissed me goodbye, and left. Minutes later, my phone buzzed.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Seeing Travis’s name made my heart jump. Why was he calling? Had something happened to Robert?

“Hello? Is everything alright?” I asked, my voice trembling as I clutched the phone.

“Everything’s fine,” Travis said calmly. “I just wanted to let you know I won’t be able to make it to your wedding. I’ll be out of town on a business trip. But I’d still like to send you and Robert a gift. How can I get it to you?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My stomach tightened. “Wait, Robert will be back by the wedding, right?” I asked, feeling a knot of confusion.

“Katherine, I’m not sure what you mean,” Travis said, sounding puzzled. “I would never send Robert on a trip this close to his wedding. Did he say I did?”

I froze, struggling to think of a response. “Oh, no. I must have misunderstood,” I said quickly. “I’ll let you know about the gift.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Okay,” Travis said, his tone uncertain. “Let me know if you need anything.” Then he hung up.

Without hesitation, I grabbed my bag, my wallet, and my coat, leaving behind everything else. My mind raced as I drove to the airport.

Robert had lied to me. I didn’t know why, but I needed answers. The uncertainty was unbearable.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My hands trembled as I booked a ticket for his flight. Luckily, there were still seats available.

At security, I fumbled to pull off my shoes and jacket, feeling like everyone was staring at me.

Once through, I tucked my hair into a hood and put on sunglasses. I scanned the waiting area, and then I saw him.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Robert sat near the gate, his head down, staring at his phone. I positioned myself far enough away to stay unnoticed but close enough to follow.

When the flight was called, I let him board first. My heart pounded as I followed him onto the plane, keeping my distance.

I couldn’t believe I was doing this, but I had to know the truth. The flight felt endless. Every time Robert shifted in his seat, I wondered what he was thinking.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When we landed, I spotted him again and followed him outside. He hailed a taxi, so I did the same.

“Follow that car, but keep your distance,” I told my driver, who gave me a curious glance but nodded. My pulse quickened as we drove.

The car stopped in front of a small house in a quiet neighborhood. I asked my driver to pull over a few houses away and paid him quickly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Hiding behind a tree, I watched as Robert got out of the taxi. He hesitated at the door, then knocked.

I held my breath, watching closely. After a moment, the door opened, and someone stepped forward.

From my position behind the tree, I couldn’t see who it was, but their silhouette made my chest tighten. Then, to my disbelief, Robert stepped inside.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I stood there for a moment, frozen. Summoning my courage, I crept closer to the house.

My hands shook as I peeked through a nearby window, my breath fogging the glass. What I saw made my knees buckle.

Robert was inside, sitting with a woman I didn’t recognize. He leaned in and hugged her, the way he always hugged me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tears blurred my vision, streaming down my face as my heart shattered into pieces. I couldn’t understand what I was seeing.

I don’t know how long I stayed there, frozen and trembling. The sound of the front door opening snapped me back to reality.

Panicked, I ducked into the bushes, crouching low to stay hidden. From my hiding spot, I watched Robert step outside, his expression unreadable. He climbed into another taxi and left without looking back.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Gathering every bit of courage I had, I stepped out of my hiding spot and approached the door. My legs felt shaky, and my chest was tight as I raised my hand to knock.

After a few moments, the same woman I had seen earlier opened the door. She looked at me with concern, her gaze softening when she noticed the tears streaming down my face.

“Are you alright? How can I help you?” she asked gently, her voice calm.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I swallowed hard, my words barely forming. “I’m Robert’s fiancée,” I said, my voice trembling. “In two days, I’m supposed to be his wife.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “Oh,” she said, her hand moving to the doorframe as if to steady herself. “Please, come in.” She stepped aside, motioning for me to enter.

She led me into the kitchen, where she pulled out a chair for me and handed me a glass of water.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I sipped it slowly, my hands trembling. She sat across from me, her expression still kind but cautious.

“I know how this must look,” she said after a moment of silence. “But I promise, it’s not what you think. My name is Liz. I’m Robert’s first love.”

The words hit me like a punch to the stomach. “That doesn’t make it better,” I said, gripping the glass tightly. My thoughts were a whirlwind of anger and confusion.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Liz sighed and leaned forward, her tone steady. “He didn’t cheat on you, if that’s what you’re worried about. When Robert was younger…he wasn’t the same man you know now.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

“Our relationship wasn’t healthy,” Liz said simply. “There were things he needed to fix in himself. He came here to apologize.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Apologize? Why now? Why before our wedding?” I asked, my chest tightening again.

“Because he didn’t want to carry the weight of his mistakes into his future with you,” Liz said. “He told me he loves you deeply. He wanted to make peace with his past so it wouldn’t affect your life together.”

I shook my head, my voice shaking. “Why didn’t he tell me? Why lie?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Liz gave me a small, understanding smile. “We all have things we carry. Some we share, and some we don’t. I’m happily married now, with two kids. Robert talked about you like you’re his whole world. You’ll make each other happy. We were never meant to be happy together, but you and Robert will be.”

I nodded slowly, unsure of how to feel. Liz offered to let me stay until my flight.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Meeting her family, I saw the love in her eyes for her husband. It reminded me of how I felt about Robert. Slowly, I began to calm.

I arrived home just as the first light of dawn was breaking. Robert was waiting by the door, his face full of worry. The moment he saw me, he pulled me into a tight hug.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Katherine, where were you?” he asked, his voice tense. “I was so worried. I called you so many times, and you didn’t answer. I thought something had happened.”

I hesitated, unsure of how to begin. “It’s not… I don’t know what to say,” I finally admitted.

Robert stepped back slightly, his hands still on my shoulders. “Then let me start. I lied to you,” he said. “I wasn’t on a work trip—”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I know,” I interrupted, looking into his eyes.

He nodded, his face filled with regret. “I’m sorry for lying. I should’ve told you, but I swear I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I know,” I said softly. “And I’m sorry too.”

Robert frowned. “Why are you apologizing?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Because I doubted you,” I said, my voice trembling. “I followed you after Travis called and told me you weren’t with him. I went to Liz’s house. I talked to her. She explained everything.”

Robert’s face softened. “Katherine, I love you,” he said. “Only you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

I felt a weight lift from my chest. “I know. Now I’m sure of it,” I said, leaning forward to kiss him.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: At nine months pregnant, I thought bending over to clean would be the hardest part of my life. But my husband’s distance and a shocking discovery in his closet made me question everything. When I uncovered strange bills and a truth he’d been hiding, I knew I had to face what was tearing us apart.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

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