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

3 Touching Stories of Children Who Help the Elderly No Matter What

In a world that often forgets its elders, some children go above and beyond to show kindness and warmth to the elderly. These stories capture heartfelt moments when young hearts bring joy and comfort to elderly souls, proving compassion knows no age.

From simple acts of kindness to selfless gestures, children can remind us of the power of compassion. Read on to see how these three young people lent a helping hand to older people around them and transformed lives through small but unforgettable acts of care.

A boy smiling | Source: Midjourney

A boy smiling | Source: Midjourney

1. I Promised to Water an Elderly Neighbor’s Plants, Then Found a Life-Changing Note in the Soil

It’s been nine years since that day, but I still remember every detail like it happened yesterday. I was only ten years old, cruising down the street on my bike when I spotted Mrs. Carrino arguing with a younger man.

She lived a few doors down, and I often saw her tending to her garden.

An older woman in her garden | Source: Freepik

An older woman in her garden | Source: Freepik

That day, I slowed my bike to a stop and watched as the man argued with her standing outside her house.

“I can’t come here to water your plants, Mom!” he shouted. “Not until you give me the house!”

I blinked, realizing this was her son. He looked irritated and stood with his arms crossed.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Carrino’s voice cracked as she answered him.

A woman talking to her son | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking to her son | Source: Midjourney

“Arnold, I asked you to come and help me, and all you’re talking about is getting this house! Are you crazy? Do you want me to die so you can have my house?” Her voice grew louder, more desperate.

He rolled his eyes. “You’re being a drama queen, mother. This house will go to me anyway. I can’t believe you’re giving me this attitude when I came to help you move!”

“Just leave me alone if that’s how you’re going to act!” she said, waving him off.

An older woman looking at her son | Source: Midjourney

An older woman looking at her son | Source: Midjourney

He stormed off, brushing past me without a second glance.

Once he left, Mrs. Carrino noticed me standing there. She offered me a gentle smile despite the heartbreak she had just experienced.

“And who are you, young man?” she asked politely.

I introduced myself, explaining I was Caroline’s son from two doors down. I admitted I’d overheard a bit and asked if she was okay.

A boy talking to his neighbor | Source: Midjourney

A boy talking to his neighbor | Source: Midjourney

“Well, Daniel, I’m moving to a nursing home soon,” she said, looking down. “I asked my son to come help, but he only wanted to know if I’d give him the house.”

She sighed, then smiled at me. “He made a fuss after I asked him to water my plants. I guess you heard the rest.”

“Mrs. Carrino,” I began. “I, uh, I can do that. I mean… water your plants.”

“Really? But I can’t pay you, dear.”

“That’s not a problem,” I said, grinning. “I’ll still do it.”

A person holding a watering can | Source: Pexels

A person holding a watering can | Source: Pexels

A few days later, Mrs. Carrino moved to a nearby nursing home, and I kept my promise. Every day after school, I’d stop by her house and water her plants, checking to make sure they were thriving.

Over time, I developed a real interest in gardening and even started visiting Mrs. Carrino with my mom, sharing updates and asking if I could add a few new plants.

She was thrilled and encouraged me to expand her garden however I liked.

A woman talking to a kid | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking to a kid | Source: Midjourney

I started using my small savings to buy new plants, hoping to grow enough to sell a few and help my mom with extra money.

One sunny afternoon, I was digging in the garden when my shovel struck something hard.

“What’s that?” I whispered.

Curious, I dropped to my knees and used my hands to dig out the hard object. It was a dusty mason jar with a note inside.

I quickly opened it and unfolded the note.

A boy reading a note | Source: Midjourney

A boy reading a note | Source: Midjourney

It read, Dear Daniel! Thank you for your help, this house is now yours! Go inside and find all the paperwork. You and your family can move in whenever you want!

Inside the jar, there was also a small key.

I assumed it was the house key and raced to the door. I fumbled with the key before it finally clicked.

I couldn’t believe it.

A close-up shot of a doorknob | Source: Pexels

A close-up shot of a doorknob | Source: Pexels

As I stepped inside, I found some papers on the kitchen counter. Though I couldn’t make sense of most of the legal words, I spotted my name at the bottom. I immediately knew this was something special.

I ran home and called Mrs. Carrino.

When I told her about the note, she laughed as though she knew I’d call.

“Come over with your mom tomorrow so I can explain how the transfer would work, dear,” she said. “I’m glad you found the jar!”

A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

When I told my mom, she was speechless.

Soon, we moved into that house, and our lives changed. Mom didn’t have to stress about rent anymore and she could buy other things with that money instead.

We were beyond grateful, and from then on, my mom and siblings visited Mrs. Carrino often. We considered her a part of our family.

Looking back, I realize that moment shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined. All it took was a little kindness, and in return, I gained not just a house but a grandmother in Mrs. Carrino.

A person holding an older woman's hand | Source: Pexels

A person holding an older woman’s hand | Source: Pexels

2. I Paid for a Stranger’s Groceries, and It Led to My Grandma’s $230k Treatment

It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since that day. Now that I’m 18, looking back, I realize just how powerful one small act of kindness can be. My grandma is still with us, healthy and thriving, thanks to something I did as a kid without a second thought.

I was 12 back then, just running a quick errand for her at the grocery store when I noticed a woman in front of me at the checkout struggling.

“Oh, geez. I must have lost my wallet,” she said while rummaging through her handbag. “I’m so sorry. I’ll have to come back for these things later.”

She was about to leave the store when I spoke up.

A boy at a grocery store | Source: Midjourney

A boy at a grocery store | Source: Midjourney

“Wait ma’am,” I said without thinking. “You don’t have many things anyway. I’ll pay for them.”

“Oh, no. I couldn’t put you out like that,” she said after looking at me from head to toe. I think she was shocked to see a 12-year-old offering to help her.

“I insist, ma’am. Sometimes, we have to do good things, and karma will reward us later, right? That’s what my grandmother says all the time,” I said.

She hesitated, but I insisted.

A woman in a supermarket | Source: Midjourney

A woman in a supermarket | Source: Midjourney

I wasn’t rich, but I knew it was the right thing to do.

“Thank you so much,” she said. “I’m Mary. And you?”

“I’m Mark,” I replied.

“Thank you for what you did, Mark,” she smiled. “Listen, how about you give me your phone number so I can pay you back as soon as I get my wallet?”

I wrote down my number on the receipt and handed it to her. “Here, but don’t worry about it. There’s no rush. I live nearby anyway.”

“Alright, Mark,” she smiled and thanked me once again before leaving.

A woman talking to a boy | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking to a boy | Source: Midjourney

I felt good, but honestly, I didn’t think much about it after that. My focus was on my grandma. She was in the hospital and needed a major surgery that we couldn’t afford.

I had started a GoFundMe, but it wasn’t going well.

A few days later, I heard a knock on my door. Mary came with her daughter, Anastacia, to return my money.

“Thank you once again, Mark,” Mary said. “How’s your grandma doing? Is she around?”

A woman asking a boy about his grandmother | Source: Midjourney

A woman asking a boy about his grandmother | Source: Midjourney

That’s when I explained our situation. They were shocked that I was raising money for her surgery on my own.

Then, they did something incredible. They offered to help.

Anastacia shared our GoFundMe link with everyone she knew. She even posted the story on Reddit, telling people how I had helped her mom.

At first, I didn’t think it would work, but the story started getting attention.

A boy using a phone | Source: Pexels

A boy using a phone | Source: Pexels

Soon, more people donated, and the story went viral.

And before I knew it, donations were pouring in, amounting to $230,000, which was enough for my grandma’s surgery. I was in shock.

I had only spent $20 to help Mary, and somehow, it had led to saving my grandma’s life.

Thanks to Mary and Anastacia, my grandma got the treatment she needed, and I’ll never forget how one act of kindness brought everything full circle.

A boy smiling | Source: Midjourney

A boy smiling | Source: Midjourney

3. My Son Decorated the House of a Lonely Old Lady for Halloween to Convince Her That the Holiday Is Worth Celebrating

Kevin has always adored Halloween. It’s his favorite time of year, hands down. Every October, he starts buzzing with ideas on how to turn our house into the spookiest spot on the street.

This year, as always, he’d collected everything he needed for his “Halloween masterpiece.”

One evening, he took a stroll down the block, noticing how everyone had decorated their houses with glowing pumpkins, ghosts, and ghouls.

Spooky Halloween jack-o'-lanterns | Source: Pexels

Spooky Halloween jack-o’-lanterns | Source: Pexels

He was practically glowing with excitement. But as he walked, something caught his eye that dimmed his smile.

One house stood dark and empty, the opposite of festive. No pumpkins. No cobwebs. Just a bare, lonely porch. It was Mrs. Kimbly’s house.

I knew he didn’t know her well, but he’d mowed her lawn a couple of times over the summer.

He told me about it when he got home. “Mom, Mrs. Kimbly’s house doesn’t have any decorations. I think she needs help.”

A boy talking to his mother | Source: Midjourney

A boy talking to his mother | Source: Midjourney

I told him maybe she didn’t want to decorate this year, but Kevin was certain.

“I don’t think she’s mad… I think she’s just sad. Halloween is supposed to be fun. She shouldn’t have to spend it feeling bad.”

That was my Kevin. His heart was as big as the world.

After I said it was okay to check on her, he gathered his decorations, even his favorite carved pumpkin, and went to her house.

He decorated her front porch and was super excited until he heard her yell behind him.

A carved pumpkin outside a house | Source: Pexels

A carved pumpkin outside a house | Source: Pexels

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I… I just wanted to decorate your house,” he stammered.

“I don’t need any decorations!” she shouted and removed the decorations. “Now go away!”

When Kevin returned home that night, he looked completely defeated. He told me how unhappy Mrs. Kimbly looked.

“Maybe she’s really lonely, honey,” I said gently. “Not everyone feels happy during the holidays.”

A woman talking to her son | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking to her son | Source: Midjourney

On Halloween night, he dressed up as a vampire but looked less excited than usual. As we made our way down the street, he couldn’t stop glancing toward Mrs. Kimbly’s house.

It was still dark and empty, and I knew he was worried the other kids would see it as a target for pranks.

“Mom, I’m going to stay there,” he said suddenly. “I don’t want anyone to mess with her house.”

And that’s just what he did.

A boy standing outdoors | Source: Midjourney

A boy standing outdoors | Source: Midjourney

He took his candy bag and sat down on her porch steps. Whenever kids came up expecting candy, he’d give out some of his own, saying, “Mrs. Kimbly’s not home, but here’s something from me.”

His candy stash dwindled quickly, but he stayed put, determined to protect her home.

A little while later, the door creaked open, and Mrs. Kimbly stepped out.

“Kevin, what are you doing here?” she asked, surprised.

He looked up at her, then down at his almost empty candy bag.

A boy looking at his candy bag | Source: Midjourney

A boy looking at his candy bag | Source: Midjourney

“I just didn’t want anyone to mess with your house, Mrs. Kimbly,” he said quietly. “I know you don’t like Halloween, but I thought maybe I could help.”

Mrs. Kimbly’s face softened. She sat down beside him and took a deep breath.

“You’re right, Kevin,” she began slowly. “Halloween… it’s just… I’ve spent so many years alone. No kids, no grandkids. It didn’t seem worth celebrating anymore.”

“But you don’t have to be alone,” Kevin smiled. “You can celebrate with us. It’s more fun that way.”

A boy talking to his neighbor | Source: Midjourney

A boy talking to his neighbor | Source: Midjourney

She gave him a small, sad smile, her eyes glistening.

“Thank you, Kevin,” she whispered. “And I’m sorry for removing all the decorations. I shouldn’t have thrown the pumpkin away.”

Kevin’s smile was as warm as ever. “It’s okay, Mrs. Kimbly. I have another one at home. I’ll bring it over, and we can carve it together.”

Mrs. Kimbly chuckled, and that was a sound I’d never heard from her before. At that point, I felt emotional thinking what a kind boy Kevin has grown into.

He had brought Halloween back to Mrs. Kimbly’s heart through his little acts of kindness.

An older woman standing outside her house | Source: Midjourney

An older woman standing outside her house | Source: Midjourney

If you enjoyed reading these stories, here’s another one you might like: When my neighbors dumped their rotting Halloween leftovers on my lawn, they thought they’d make me clean up their mess. But after years of their petty antics, I decided it was time for a little payback that would expose a whole lot more than they’d bargained for.

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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