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

My SIL Gave Me a Garden Gnome for My Birthday – Days Later, a Lady Claimed It Was Stolen from Her Garden

My sister-in-law Emily’s birthday gift, an ugly garden gnome, seemed harmless enough. But three days later, a furious stranger showed up at my door, accusing me of stealing and demanding the return of her beloved “Rupert.” What did Emily do?!

I never thought I’d be posting here about a garden gnome that changed my life, but here we are.

It all started on my birthday. I’d been dreading the party for weeks, knowing my sister-in-law, Emily, would find some way to make it about her.

But even worse was that she acted like an idiot who had no idea she was doing anything wrong.

Woman with a silly expression | Source: Pexels

Woman with a silly expression | Source: Pexels

This year, I was determined to have a drama-free celebration. I spent the whole day decorating the backyard, hanging fairy lights, and arranging flowers.

My husband, David, was manning the grill.

As guests started arriving, I was constantly glancing at the gate, waiting for Emily’s grand entrance. She didn’t disappoint.

Two women at a decorated yard | Source: Pexels

Two women at a decorated yard | Source: Pexels

Two hours late, she sashayed into the backyard like she owned the place, wearing six-inch heels that sank into the grass with every step.

But it wasn’t her fashionably late arrival that made me frown. It was what she was carrying: the gaudiest, most enormous garden gnome I’d ever seen.

“Happy birthday, Sarah!” Emily trilled, air-kissing my cheeks. “I hope you like your gift. It’s absolutely perfect for your… quaint little garden.”

Woman leaning againts a white fence | Source: Pexels

Woman leaning againts a white fence | Source: Pexels

I stood there, speechless, as she thrust the monstrosity into my arms.

The gnome was at least two feet tall, painted in eye-searing colors, with a crack running down its side. It looked like something that had escaped from a tacky lawn ornament factory.

Did she think I was an old woman?

“Oh, wow,” I managed to stammer. “That’s… quite something, Emily. Thank you.”

A woman with a serious expression | Source: Pexels

A woman with a serious expression | Source: Pexels

Emily beamed, clearly pleased with herself. “I knew you’d love it. Now, where shall we put it? I think it would look fabulous over there by the rose bushes.”

I glanced at the spot she indicated and tried to imagine this eyesore among my carefully tended flowers. No way was that happening.

“Actually,” I said, “I think I’d like to put it in the front yard. That way, everyone can see it when they drive by.”

Home front | Source: Pexels

Home front | Source: Pexels

Emily’s smile tightened. “Oh, but,” she insisted, “I THINK IT WOULD LOOK BETTER IN THE BACKYARD. Don’t you agree, David?”

My husband held up his hands. “It’s Sarah’s gift. Isn’t it? She can put it wherever she likes.”

Emily’s nostrils flared, but she quickly composed herself. “Well, of course. It’s your decision. I just thought it would tie the whole backyard together so nicely.”

Home backyard | Source: Pexels

Home backyard | Source: Pexels

“Thank you for the suggestion,” I said, “but I’ve made up my mind.”

As Emily stalked off to the refreshment table, I caught David’s eye. He gave me a subtle thumbs-up, and I felt a small surge of pride.

For once, I hadn’t let Emily’s passive-aggressive tactics get the better of me. Yes, I tended to get angry and make a scene at her crazy actions.

Two women at a backyard party | Source: Pexels

Two women at a backyard party | Source: Pexels

The rest of the party passed happily, but I couldn’t help noticing Emily’s occasional glances at the gnome. Is it going to explode or something?

By twilight, the last guest finally left, and I breathed a sigh of relief. For once, Emily hadn’t managed to make everything about her, and we were able to host a normal party.

The next morning, I lugged the gnome out to the front yard. Despite its garish appearance, I had to admit it had a certain charm.

A garden gnome | Source: Pexels

A garden gnome | Source: Pexels

I positioned it near the mailbox and went back inside.

For the next few days, I actually grew fond of the gnome. I even found myself smiling at it as I collected the mail or watered the front flowerbeds.

But on the third day after my birthday, everything changed.

I was just settling down with a cup of afternoon coffee when an aggressive knock startled me. Frowning, I went to answer the door.

A woman on a couch drinking coffee and using a laptop | Source: Pexels

A woman on a couch drinking coffee and using a laptop | Source: Pexels

A woman I’d never seen before stood on my porch, and she was red-faced and fuming.

“Can I help you?” I asked, confused.

The woman jabbed a finger at me. “YOU’RE A THIEF!” she shouted. “YOU STOLE THAT GNOME FROM MY YARD! IT’S MINE, IT EVEN HAS A CRACK ON IT! I CAN SHOW YOU A PHOTO TO PROVE IT!”

An older woman pointing her finger in accusation | Source: Midjourney

An older woman pointing her finger in accusation | Source: Midjourney

I WAS MORTIFIED. What had Emily done?!

“I… what? No, I didn’t steal anything! That gnome was a birthday gift from my sister-in-law.”

The woman’s eyes narrowed. “Oh sure! I want it back, now, or I’m calling the police!”

My face burned. “Please, there’s been some kind of misunderstanding. Let me call my sister-in-law. She can explain where she got it.”

A shocked woman | Source: Pexels

A shocked woman | Source: Pexels

With trembling, angry fingers, I dialed Emily’s number. “Emily? It’s Sarah. I need you to come over right away. Don’t ask why, just please hurry.”

Twenty maddening minutes later, Emily’s car pulled into the driveway. When she saw the woman, SHE IMMEDIATELY turned pale. The look on her face told me everything I needed to know.

“Emily,” I said, trying to restrain my anger, “this woman says the gnome you gave me was stolen from her yard. Care to explain?”

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Emily stuttered. “I bought that gnome fair and square.”

A woman with her arms crossed | Source: Pexels

A woman with her arms crossed | Source: Pexels

The woman snorted. “Oh really? Then you won’t mind showing us the receipt, or do you want me to call the police?”

Emily’s eyes widened. “Okay, fine!” she said, raising her hands in surrender. “I… I didn’t exactly buy it from a store.”

“Then where did you get it, Emily?” I said through tight lips. I was barely holding it together.

“Fine!” Emily threw her arms in the air. “That day, I was almost here when I remembered that I didn’t buy you anything. I saw the garden gnome in her yard. They had a tall fence, though. Then, some homeless man passed by, so I paid him $20 to get it for me…”

A house with a blue fence | Source: Pexels

A house with a blue fence | Source: Pexels

A heavy silence fell over my porch.

I closed my eyes. This was so like her!

“… and I drove off quickly when I saw her coming out of the house,” Emily continued sheepishly.

My sister-in-law was insane… and stupid.

I didn’t know what to say.

A woman with a curious expression | Source: Pexels

A woman with a curious expression | Source: Pexels

But suddenly, the woman who’d come looking for her gnome burst out laughing. “Well, I’ll be damned,” she chuckled. “I never thought anyone would try to steal Rupert!”

Her laughter broke the tension. I giggled a bit and asked, “Rupert?”

The woman nodded, still grinning. “That’s what I call him. He’s been in my family for years, and everyone says he’s ugly. I was heartbroken when he disappeared the other day.”

An old garden gnome | Source: Midjourney

An old garden gnome | Source: Midjourney

“I’m so sorry,” Emily said. “I never meant to cause any trouble. I just wanted to give Sarah a nice gift because she has a pretty garden.”

I turned to my sister-in-law with surprised eyes. Maybe this was a turning point for us.

“Oh, Emily,” I sighed.

The woman finally introduced herself as Miriam, and I invited her inside for an hour of tea, chatting, and laughing about my sister-in-law’s gnome stealing.

A woman drinking tea | Source: Pexels

A woman drinking tea | Source: Pexels

David arrived home and couldn’t believe what had happened. He also apologized to Miriam for the stolen gnome, and a few hours later, he loaded Rupert into her car.

When the lady drove away, I turned to Emily.

“You know,” I commented, “weirdly, this might be the best birthday gift you’ve ever given me.”

“Honestly?” Emily asked.

A blonde woman smiling | Source: Pexels

A blonde woman smiling | Source: Pexels

“Yes, it showed me that you wanted to do something nice,” I answered. “You go about life, acting in a rather selfish way. You make things about yourself and mess up often, but this time, you thought about me and what I liked, and tried to give me something I would like, too.”

“I really did!” she nodded eagerly. “The gnome was cute!”

“Yes, it was,” I acknowledged. “But maybe, next time, don’t steal from other people. You could’ve just come by without a gift.”

A gift with a bow | Source: Pexels

A gift with a bow | Source: Pexels

Emily nodded, biting her lip.

“This was also one of the first events where I didn’t explode on you,” I continued, shrugging. “You’ve made me so mad before, but I realize now that it’s just you. You don’t mean any harm. You’re just a little misguided sometimes.”

Emily’s eyes shined on me, surprised, as if this was the first time anyone had ever seen her, the real her. “Thank you, Sarah,” she swallowed. “No one ever understands me. Everyone always thinks I do things because I want attention.”

“It seems that way often.”

A smiling woman | Source: Pexels

A smiling woman | Source: Pexels

“I know,” she nodded. “I want to work on that.”

So, I clapped my hands. “Okay. Let’s start at the beginning. A clean slate from now on.”

Her eyes watered and she jumped into my arms. “Sister!”

My eyes almost watered, too.

“Alright, guys,” David interrupted us, smiling. “That was fun. Emily, do you want to stay for dinner?”

A smiling man on a front yard | Source: Pexels

A smiling man on a front yard | Source: Pexels

“Yes!” she said, letting me go.

As we walked back into the house, I knew our family had changed… for the better… all because of a gnome.

Cheers to Rupert! Oh, and Emily bought another one from a REAL store that was much cuter. I named him, Rupert Jr.

A garden gnome | Source: Midjourney

A garden gnome | Source: Midjourney

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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