Texas Back in the Day: 20 Throwback Photos That Bring History to Life

History Travel March 31, 2025

Texas has long been a land dominated by big skies and an undeniable sense of independence. This collection of 20 vintage photos will transport you back in time and showcase the rugged cowboy culture, fast-moving oil towns, and classic roadside attractions that encapsulate the Lone Star State.

1. A woman sweeping the front yard of a Gulf gas station at Mineral Wells, Texas, 1981

A person with long hair and shorts stands at a vintage Gulf gas station, cleaning the ground with a broom. The sun sets in the background, casting a warm glow over parked vehicles and nearby buildings.
axlcobainvedder

The lighting takes this pic to the next level.

2. James Dean picking up his groceries, Texas, 1955

A person wearing sunglasses and a plaid shirt holds a large block of ice in front of a West Texas Ice Co. building. They stand next to a vintage car with an open trunk, where a cooler is stored. Water drips from the trunk onto the pavement.
sacredserenity

James had a hard time taking a bad photo.

3. Young love is unbeatable

A black and white photo of a smiling couple sitting on a statue of a longhorn bull. The man is holding onto the bull's horns, while the woman points into the distance. A blurred highway and signs are visible in the background.
texasforever

Two peas in a pod.

4. James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor at the Texas State Fair 1955

A man wearing sunglasses and a cigarette in his mouth stands smiling, about to light a cigarette for a woman holding out her arm. Another woman stands nearby, smiling. The setting appears to be a busy outdoor area with people in the background.
thrifterbynature

The guy always seemed like he was impossible to catch in a rush.

5. The good old Lone Star

Two men stand on a wet sidewalk in an urban area near an intersection, one holding a plastic bag. Behind them, a street stretches toward a building resembling a capitol. Surrounding buildings display signs for Lone Star beer and Goodyear.
anonymous

These fellas are up to no good.

6. Busy root beer stand around 1930, Dallas, Texas

A crowded 1920s scene with vintage cars lined up at a drive-in. People are visible inside some vehicles. Signs for root beer and hamburgers are in the background amid string lights.
notbob 1959

I mean, hey, root beer is a hot commodity.

7. My great, great grandmother on her ranch in Texas, 1906

A sepia-toned photo of a woman standing on a porch surrounded by blooming flowers. She wears a patterned dress and looks towards the camera. The house features a window and a doorway with visible wooden textures.
emskca

She’s got some stories to tell.

8. People Enjoying White Rock Lake on the Fourth of July, Dallas, Texas, 1946

A black and white photo of a crowded beach scene. People relax on blankets under trees, wearing swimsuits. Some sit and chat, while others walk or swim in the background. Picnic baskets and beach bags are scattered around.
anonymous

Everyone is posted up to let the good times roll.

9. Austin, Texas, 1963

A black and white photo of a retro diner. A young girl with glasses sits at a table near a classic jukebox. The background shows tables, a large window, and visible cars outside. The diner has a vintage, mid-20th-century ambiance.
blrgghh

One has to wonder what kind of jams are blasting on that jukebox.

10. Texas Bodega, 1939

A person stands in front of shelves filled with canned goods and packaged foods in a vintage grocery store. They reach for an item on a shelf, wearing an apron. Various brands and packages are visible, with goods neatly organized.
gandalfthegreat

How about some soda crackers?

11. Entrant in beard-growing contest, Fort Worth, Texas, 1946

A man in a shiny button-up shirt and scarf smiles broadly. He wears a wide-brimmed hat and has an unusual beard design. The background is a plain wall, suggesting a portrait setting.
itsacalamity

Yeah bud, might want to run this beard back to the shop for some more work.

12. An unusual snowfall, Tomball, Texas mid 1940s

A man in a coat and hat stands next to a vintage car in a snowy landscape. He is behind a wire fence, and snow covers the ground and parts of the car. Bare trees are visible in the background.
deleted

Just a bit unusual.

13. Houston, Texas, ca. 1959

A vintage city street scene with cars driving along a bustling road. Buildings on both sides feature signs for shops, including a millinery. Twinkling decorations hang above the street, suggesting a festive season. People walk along the sidewalks.
susoutthemoon

The cars were really so cool back then.

14. Cowboys enjoy drinks at the Equity Bar in Old Tascosa, Texas, 1907

A black-and-white photo of cowboys in a saloon. Several men wearing hats, vests, and chaps stand at a wooden bar, while a bartender serves drinks. The wall is covered with patterned wallpaper and framed pictures.
worldhub995

Everyone catching up at the local watering hole.

15. Preston Avenue, Houston, Texas, 1957

Black and white photo of a man walking on a wet sidewalk in front of Elmo’s Coffee Shop, which advertises sandwiches, beverages, and lunches. Several vintage signs, including Royal Crown Cola and Coca-Cola, are visible on the building. A classic car is parked nearby.
crowe410

That soda was probably top-tier.

16. Workers at the Coca-Cola factory in Denton, Texas, 1948

Workers in a vintage bottling factory operate machinery with numerous glass bottles lined up on a conveyor. Industrial equipment and tanks are visible, with six men in work attire observing the process.
thrifterbynature

Now that’s the kind of uniform that you want to be caught wearing around.

17. The ice man man delivering a 25lb block of ice. Photograph taken in 1928 in Houston, Texas. Circa 1928

A man wearing a hat and dirty work clothes stands in front of a brick wall. He holds an ice block with large metal tongs. His attire includes a long-sleeved shirt, overalls, and boots, suggesting he's involved in physical labor.
gregorb

This guy delivers ice big time.

18. Having a beer in the Tondre Saloon, early 1900s, Castroville Texas

Five men in a vintage bar setting. Four are seated around a table with mugs of beer, wearing hats and old-fashioned clothing. One man stands behind them near the bar, surrounded by ornate decor and mounted animals on the walls.
notbob1959

How about that stache though?

19. A young Texas lad is caught up in deep thought

A person sits in the open doorway of a vintage vehicle, resting their hands together. They're wearing a casual shirt, dark pants, and shoes. The image has a sepia tone, giving it a nostalgic, vintage feel.
jrexicus

The loafers are a great touch to the whole outfit.

20. Staff of an A&W Root Beer stand, Austin Texas, 1947

A group of people, including men in aprons and women in casual clothing, stand in front of an A&W Root Beer stand. A vintage car is parked nearby. The signs read "BLINK YOUR LIGHTS FOR SERVICE." The sky is partly cloudy.
thesanityinspector

A sharp-looking crew, indeed.

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