Kentucky’s history is interesting and intriguing, and important to learn from and preserve. While it’s nearly impossible to know which photos were the first ever taken of our state, we were able to round up several, all of which are over 100 years old. It’s exciting to be able to look back on our state and see images from the past that show how our state became what it is today.
- This photo shows a group from the Civil War, Company D Fourth Kentucky Volunteers, who enlisted in 1861 in Louisville.
Internet Archive Book Images/Wikimedia
- From the same time period around 1862, these soldiers are crossing the Barren River. An image to keep in mind the next time you’re near this body of water.
Internet Archive Book Images/Wikimedia
- This image was taken around 1900, on a snowy street in Columbus. It gives you a glimpse of what life was like back then in small town Kentucky.
Unknown/Wikimedia
- Here, a group stands outside a Methodist church in Hopkinsville in 1901. Today, the town is preparing for some of its largest crowds ever with the upcoming solar eclipse.
Unknown/Wikimedia
- We all know and love the aerial views of Louisville. This is a shot of how the city looked in 1910.
Flickr/Snapshots of the Past
- One of the most recognized buildings in Louisville, even today, the Seelbach Hotel was built in 1905. This photo shows it in all its grandness in 1910.
Detroit Publishing Co./Wikimedia
- Any Wildcat fans? Do you recognize this place? This photo shows how the University of Kentucky looked in 1916. The University was founded in 1865.
Ashley Van Haeften/flickr
- This little one-room school house was just for African American students in 1916.
RV1864/flickr
- 1917 was a notable year for the Kentucky Derby. The winning horse, Omar Khayyam, was the first foreign bred horse to win the Derby, having been foaled in England.
Unknown/Wikimedia
It’s interesting to think that in another 100 years, future generations will look back on photos of us and how we lived our lives in Kentucky. What are your thoughts on these photos? What is your favorite piece of Kentucky history? Share with us in the comments!
Internet Archive Book Images/Wikimedia
Unknown/Wikimedia
Flickr/Snapshots of the Past
Detroit Publishing Co./Wikimedia
Ashley Van Haeften/flickr
RV1864/flickr
For more historic photos from Kentucky, check out our article on WWII here.
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