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20 Vintage Photos Of The 1870s

Vintage Photos History Nostalgia May 31, 2025

Last Updated on May 31, 2025 by Matt Staff

Take a step back into the bygone era of the 1870s. This was a time caught between war-torn recovery and Gilded Age ambition. This collection of 20 vintage photos captures the kinetic moment in its entirety. Let these photos serve as your visceral time capsule and get lost in a distinct time in history.

1. A solid pose indeed

A sepia-toned vintage photograph of a person wearing traditional clothing with layered jewelry and a headscarf, standing indoors beside a small table draped with fabric.
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2. Paris in the Belle Époque (ca. 1870-1890)

Black-and-white photo of people walking beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris, wearing early 20th-century clothing, with ornate buildings and trees visible in the background.
goodgriefwhatsnext

3. The legend goes that this was taken back in Pennsylvania

A woman in a dark, long-sleeved 19th-century dress with a white lace collar sits beside a table, one arm resting on a book. Her hair is parted in the center and styled in ringlets. The photo is in black and white.
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4. Someone’s great grandmother captured in a tender moment way back in the day

A young girl with light hair, wearing a white dress with a large bow in her hair, stands in a grassy field with trees and sky in the background, smiling softly. The photo is sepia-toned and vintage in appearance.
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5. Seems like he might be a great dad

A bearded man with closed eyes gently holds two young girls, also with closed eyes and wearing bows in their hair, as they rest against him. The photo is black and white and has a soft, serene atmosphere.
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6. A portrait of a man wearing samurai armor back in the 1870s

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7. A couple young and in love all the way back in the 1870s

A historical black-and-white photo shows a young woman with braided hair and a man in traditional Sámi clothing, decorated with embroidery and accessories, standing together and looking slightly away from the camera.
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8. Taken back in Norway in the 1870s

Black-and-white portrait of a seated woman in a 19th-century dress with patterned sleeves, resting one arm on a covered table, looking directly at the camera, with a neutral background.
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9. A good day to you as well my good sir

A man in a suit stands with one hand resting on a pedestal, posing for a vintage black-and-white studio portrait with a painted backdrop of a house, trees, and a waterwheel.
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10. Gettysburg in 1870

Black and white photo of a dirt road leading into a small rural town, with wooden fences, scattered houses, fields, and trees on either side, under a clear sky.
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11. Taken in Norwich, England in the 1870s

A sepia-toned vintage photograph of an older woman in a striped dress and bonnet seated next to a young boy in checkered pants and a buttoned jacket, posing indoors by a small ornate table with a decorative object.
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12. A portrait of Emil Bessels in the 1870s

A bearded man with wavy dark hair is wearing a thick, light-colored fur coat, looking slightly to the side against a dark blue background.
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13. The penny farthing bikes were the bikes to ride around in during the 1870s

A woman smiles while riding a vintage high-wheeled penny-farthing bicycle on a paved path, with grass and trees in the background.
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14. Looks to be a joyous gathering indeed

Seven women in traditional Chinese clothing sit and stand around an outdoor table sharing a meal, with ornate windows and a tiled roof visible in the background. The photo appears to be historical, in black and white.
anonymous

15. Now that’s a fancy 1870s gentleman if I’ve ever seen one

A man with a mustache wearing a top hat and formal suit poses in a vintage studio, holding a cane and resting one arm on a draped table. The backdrop features ornate decorative details.
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16. This looks to be a tumultuous alleyway to navigate back in the 1870s

A black-and-white photo of a narrow, cobblestone alley with tall, old buildings on either side. A woman and two children stand at the entrance, and laundry hangs overhead further down the alley.
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17. A stunning, captivating shot indeed

Sepia-toned portrait of a woman in profile, wearing a headscarf adorned with coins and layered pearl necklaces, with bare shoulders and a calm, dignified expression.
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18. Honestly, the guy is giving off some kind of vibe with the big beard

Black-and-white photo of a bearded man seated in a suit with a woman standing beside him, wearing a long, patterned dress with her hand resting on his shoulder. Both look directly at the camera.
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19. She seems like she didn’t have the best morning she’s ever had

A sepia-toned, vintage portrait of an older woman with pulled-back hair, wearing a dark dress with a large, ruffled white collar. The background is plain and faded, giving the photo an antique appearance.
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20. This kid’s wearing that unmistakable look of childhood joy

A young child wearing a hat, jacket, and striped socks smiles while riding an old-fashioned tricycle on a gravel surface, with rocks and a stone wall in the background.
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Explore more vintage content:

Hungry for another step back in time? Check out 35 Vintage Photos From the Early 1880s as the Gilded Age gains momentum. Then, explore 18 Vintage Photos From the Transcontinental Railroad That Built America.

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