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25 Vintage Photos from the Late 1890s

History Vintage Photos May 27, 2025

Last Updated on May 27, 2025 by Matt Staff

Take a step back in time to the twilight of the 19th century. This was a time when flickering gas lamps would light up streets, even as the electric bulbs just began their glow. These 25 photos from the late 1890s can capture a world on the cusp of modernity itself.

1. A grand July 4th in 1899

Five young adults pose in front of a wooden fence; three women stand behind, one holding an American flag, and two men stand in front, all dressed in early 20th-century clothing, smiling and relaxed.
anonymous

2. A portrait of a cowboy out in 1899

Sepia-toned vintage photograph of a Black cowboy wearing a wide-brimmed hat, patterned vest, bandana, and chaps, seated with hands on hips, looking confidently at the camera.
flamingoevery5598

3. Someone’s mother back in her earliest days

A sepia-toned vintage photo of a young girl with curly hair, wearing a striped blouse with lace details and a pleated skirt, standing with her hands behind her back and a small ribbon in her hair.
lebaeel

4. The interior of Miller and Shoemaker Soda Fountain, 1899

Four people sit and stand behind a bar counter in a vintage cafe with ornate decor, glassware, and a large decorative mirror behind them. The scene appears historical, with old-fashioned clothing and furnishings.
ryansmith

5. UVA’s graduating class back in 1899

A black-and-white photo shows eleven men in old-fashioned clothing posing with a human skeleton and a cadaver on a table, in front of a brick wall. A chalkboard nearby lists names under "Dr. Bullitt Dem.
deleted

6. These lads seem to be having a great time

A group of young men in suits stand around a table with bottles, posing cheerfully. One man holds up a “Wisconsin” pennant, indicating school spirit. The setting appears to be a party or celebration indoors.
anonymous

7. Someone’s great-grandmother from Kansas in 1899

Black and white portrait of a young woman with curly hair, wearing a ruffled white dress adorned with flowers on the shoulder, looking directly at the camera with a calm expression.
deleteda

8. MIT class in 1899

A black-and-white photo of a group of young men and women in lab coats posing indoors, with "Course V 99" written on a chalkboard behind them and shelves of glass bottles in the background.
anonymous

9. Now that’s a soda shop

Four people in period clothing sit or stand at a vintage soda fountain counter in an ornate, old-fashioned shop with decorative wallpaper, mirrors, and shelves stocked with jars and bottles.
anonymous

10. Some folks working hard out in Louisiana in 1899

A group of men in work clothes and hats lay bricks to construct a road on a tree-lined street in a residential neighborhood. Some stand while others work with tools, with houses visible in the background.
anonymous

11. Following the life of a distant relative is always a good time

A vintage black-and-white photo of eight adults, five women standing and three men seated, in formal attire. Another man, seated far right, holds a small dog. They pose indoors against patterned wallpaper.
deleted

12. A London pub in 1899

A group of men and boys, dressed in early 20th-century clothing, stand inside a dimly lit pub holding mugs and glasses, gathered around a wooden bar with a clock and pictures on the wall behind them.
duncandsorderly

13. Someone’s grandfather as a baby in 1899

A sepia-toned vintage photo of a family: an elderly bearded man holding a baby, two women standing behind, a man and a woman seated beside him, and a young girl sitting on the man's knee. All wear formal, old-fashioned clothing.
deleted

14. She’s got the smoldering gaze perfected

A Black woman in a vintage portrait wears a feathered dark dress, choker necklace with a heart pendant, and has her hair styled up. She gazes softly to the side in this sepia-toned photograph.
flamingoevyerhting

15. Stars Come Out, Sioux Nation, 1899

Black-and-white portrait of a Native American man wearing traditional clothing, including a feathered headdress, beadwork, and animal fur, holding a fan made of feathers and looking off to the side.
anonymous

16. A Victorian family looking terrified of the camera back in 1899

A vintage black-and-white family portrait showing two adults seated with five children. Some names are handwritten above and below the figures, identifying each person. The background is ornately decorated.
catinmyshoea

17. Getting everything ready

Three women and one girl in traditional dress are seated and standing in an ornately tiled room with pillars, baskets, and pottery, appearing to prepare food or wash items. The atmosphere is calm and domestic.
anonymous

18. A very serious family gathering

A sepia-toned vintage photograph of a large family, showing nine adults and eight children posed indoors, with ornate furniture and a framed portrait hanging on the wall behind them.
deleted77

19. On the streets in a New York blizzard, 1899

Black-and-white photo of people in coats and hats walking on a wet, snowy city sidewalk in New York during a blizzard, with streetcars, elevated trains, and tall buildings in the background.
anonymous

20. Someone’s great-grandparents in 1899

A smiling bride and groom stand arm in arm; the groom wears a suit and bow tie, while the bride is in a white dress and veil, holding a large bouquet of flowers. The photo appears old and sepia-toned.
anonymous

21. A couple having their meal together in rural Virginia, 1899

An elderly man and woman sit at a small wooden table eating in a rustic, old-fashioned kitchen with a large stone fireplace, simple furnishings, and shelves holding metal pots.
anonmyous

22. Nothing like being young and in love back in 1899

A vintage sepia-toned photo of a man in a three-piece suit and a woman in a long, white dress holding a large bouquet, both smiling and standing outdoors on a sunny day.
deletedd

23. A couple siblings holding it down with the classy fits in 1899

A vintage black-and-white photo of a young boy and girl wearing old-fashioned, formal clothing. The boy stands with his hands clasped, and the girl wears a white dress with puffy sleeves, both looking slightly away from the camera.
anonymous

24. Now that’s an interesting new vacuum cleaner, 1899

A woman in early 1900s clothing stands indoors, holding and using an old-fashioned manual vacuum cleaner on a patterned carpet.
otherwisetacle5279

25. A family in front of their home in Utah

A black-and-white photo of a family posing outside a wooden house. There are adults and children, one child on a horse, and others standing or sitting in front of the house, with trees and open land in the background.
anonnymous

Explore more vintage content:

Hungry for more turn-of-the-century intrigue? Wander a few years backward with our 25 Vintage Photos from the Mid-1890s. Then fast-forward into a bold new era through 17 Vintage Photos of Great Britain in the 1890s-1900s Victorian Era.

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