Rare Images That Show a Different Side of History

There are many well-known images that are widely available that we have all seen. However, there are also a lot of undiscovered treasures that are so uncommon you’ve probably never even heard of them.
Take a look at these unusual images, each of which represents a different historical period.
Civil War Veteran, 1863
Humans can tolerate a variety of wounds, but being shot in the head is not one of them. Survival chances are extremely slim, and they were even slimmer in the 1800s.
When Jacob Miller survived after being shot in the forehead during the American Civil War, he defied all odds. He also had other wounds, but he completely recovered.
Lisa Fonssagrives On The Eiffel Tower, 1939
Anyone who is afraid of heights might find this image unsettling, especially if they realize how accurate it is. In 1939, Lisa Fonssagrives bravely and artistically posed from the Eiffel Tower.
This photo shoot for Vogue was conducted without the use of any security measures by the stunning Fonssagrives. Fortunately, she wasn’t hurt, and the photos changed the course of human history.
Sammy Davis Jr. & Clint Eastwood
Sammy Davis Jr. and a young Clint Eastwood are seen in this peculiar photo backstage at the Sands Hotel following Davis’ performance in 1959. Eastwood’s career was just getting started at the time.
What connections did these two mythologies share? They obviously had a similar passion for guns. On video, the two can be seen examining a handgun.
Abraham Lincoln and His Son
President Abraham Lincoln would usually be pictured with other illustrious politicians or Heads of State, so this was a very unusual occasion for him.
He smiles while posing with his son Tad in this photo. Lincoln died ten weeks after the shot was fired.
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart made significant contributions to aviation. She was the first female pilot to cross the Atlantic Ocean by herself, and she did so without fear.
One of the final pictures taken of her before she vanished is this one. As you can see, she was very fashionable—especially for the time.
Norma Jean Dougherty
A young woman named Norma Jean Dougherty posed for a picture in 1943. A few years after this picture was taken, she had no idea that she would go on to become one of the biggest stars in the world.
This young woman later developed into Marilyn Monroe. She began her career as a model and eventually entered Hollywood. Here is a quick timeline.
Marilyn Monroe As Theda Bara, 1958
Although she still looks stunning, Marilyn Monroe is not visible in this picture. She paid homage to the woman who had come into the world a few decades earlier and had become the leading sex icon of her time.
Theda Bara, a silent film actress better known by her stage name “The Vamp,” was the subject of the dispute. Monroe dressed as Cleopatra to mimic Bara’s well-known appearance.
Mick Jagger and Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton and Mick Jagger are two of the most well-known musicians in the world, so they don’t need an introduction. It is uncommon to see them perform together due to the disparity in their musical preferences.
It is clear from the photo taken backstage at New York’s Bottom Line in 1977 that the rocker and country legend were close friends.
Police Officer Guarding A Pharmacy During A Flood
Remaining in one’s position would be the last thing anyone would think of doing.
Despite the severe flooding, this police officer took his job very seriously. In Cambridge, Ontario, there was a terrible flood in 1974 that submerged people up to their waists.
The officer in the photo, Constable John Shuttleworth, was tasked with keeping an eye on this pharmacy for neighborhood shoplifters who were stealing whatever they could. It was amazing to see him standing there with such a strong devotion.
Princess Diana with Her Son, Prince Harry
Given that Princess Diana consistently acted in a nice, pleasant, and caring manner, it is clear why she was referred to as The People’s Princess.
One of the greatest royal portraits ever taken shows Diana holding her youngest son, Prince Harry. She was not ashamed to show her children love in front of the public, unlike earlier royals.
Posing as a Model for Billboard Painters
These days, billboards are everywhere. They are simple to set up and appear to change every few weeks. But everything changed in 1947.
In reality, artists had to take risks to build hand-painted billboards at such heights. Models might also be used on occasion.
Mugshot of Steve McQueen, 1972
Steve McQueen’s mugshot became recognizable due to how arrogant and self-assured he appeared, despite the fact that being imprisoned is unacceptable and should never be imitated. He smiled and waved a peace sign, appearing unconcerned that he was being held.
McQueen, the coolest man in Hollywood, frequently played the antihero in movies. Either to be him or to be close to him is desirable.
Hopi Girl, 1912
The Hopi tribe is indigenous to Arizona. Their society has survived for so long because they stick together and don’t marry outside the tribe.
However, in 1912, this girl graciously allowed me to take her picture. She has the squash blossom haircut, which is a sign of maturity, so she is of marriageable age.
A Distressed Patient
Many children and even adults are afraid of dentists because they can be quite uncomfortable during a consultation. The young patient was unhappy with the dentist’s help because his head was bandaged and he appeared to have just undergone surgery.
Despite the fact that writing “lie” on a wall is not the healthiest move, the dentist should never have posted the notice. It is blatantly untrue!
Titanic Before and After the Accident
A grand staircase was one of the Titanic’s many distinguishing features. Sadly, there isn’t a single photo of the stairs.
We have a great idea of what the staircase must have looked like before the disaster thanks to the RMS Olympic, a nearly identical ship from the same era that sailed until 1935.
The Stewardess Who Averted the Sinking of Two Sailing Ships
Despite the likelihood that you haven’t heard of Argentine stewardess and nurse Violet Jessop, she performed a miracle feat that has never been matched in human history.
She witnessed the RMS Olympic and Titanic’s respective sinkings in 1911 and 1912. In both circumstances, she saved children and assisted people in boarding lifeboats.
The Aqua-Trail Houseboat, 1959
With the end of World War II, American consumerism soared. Large-scale production of all products began, and the pace of technological development accelerated.
The first attempt at a camping trailer that could also serve as a houseboat was the Aqua-Trail houseboat. There were only 32 produced, and the one you can currently find is highly valuable.
Air Force
It would be challenging to identify Bob Ross on the left without the comparison images. All of us are accustomed to seeing him with his thick hair and beard.
Ross was a master sergeant in his earlier years. He spent 20 years in the air force, not making the world laugh on television. He departed to pursue his love of painting.
Hippies and Priests Interact
The last thing that comes to mind when we think of a hippy festival is a gathering of priests. However, in 1971, these priests did visit Glastonbury.
They were there to share the gospel with the guests, who couldn’t care less about it, not to listen to the music. The end result is this incredible image that contrasts two very distinct universes.
An unadorned Geisha, 1905
If this image weren’t in black and white, one might believe it was taken just a few years ago. But this picture was taken almost a century ago.
It shows a Geisha without the customary makeup and with her hair down, which is very uncommon to see. These women have never been captured on camera or seen in the open before.