15 Interesting Historical Photos and the Facts Behind Them

History is filled with events that marked not only the passage of time, but how our lives would transform thanks to them. We’re not just talking about the biggest events everyone knows about, we are diving into single moments that marked decades, both from the past and the future.

These pictures aren’t just black and white memorabilia, they tell the tale of who we are as a society, no matter where you’re from. They show that history can be taught beyond the classroom, fueled by curiosity of who these people really were, their achievements, and lives.

Hard Earned Victory

Here, we see the bow of the HMS King George V, and the damage it sustained after colliding with and sinking the destroyer HMS Punjabi.

Upstaged by a Child

On April 23, 1963, President Kennedy was upstaged by a 17-month-old girl. The child drew all the attention of the Presidential speech

Queen Emma of Hawaii

Known as a humanitarian more than a monarch, this picture taken in 1855 shows her in her full royal attire. Her full name was Emma Kalanikaumakaʻamano Kaleleonālani Naʻea Rooke.

A Greek for Ethiopia

This is Georgios Photis, a Greek man that fought for Ethiopia against the Italians at Adwa in 1896. He was the only European to do so, earning the title of Commander of the Guard.

Women at Work

During World War II, women had to do the jobs that, at the time, were handled by men. This picture in particular is from Pennsylvania, taken in June of 1943.

Survivors

These two children were Louis and Lola, survivors of the tragic sinking of the Titanic. This is a picture from after the incident, but before they were reunited with their mother.

One Drop Rule

This picture, taken in 1863, shows Rebecca, a girl born into slavery due to the ‘one drop rule.’ Fortunately for her, she lived to see slavery abolished.

Lifelong Companions

The story of Hellen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan is known by many, yet this image remains striking due to how much it tells without words.

An Innocent Time

This is a picture of Jacqueline Bouvier at the young age of six. Taken in 1935, it’s hard to imagine this is the same woman who would later become the wife of president John F. Kennedy.

The Last Photo of Poe

Five days after this photo was taken (September 28, 1849), the writer was found delirious outside a Baltimore tavern. He would later pass in October at the age of 40.

Sky Dogs

Yes, the army was training dogs to use parachutes during World War II. We hope it isn’t something that is currently in practice.

Just Married

Getting your house bombed seems to not be a reason to cancel a wedding. The year 1940 was an odd one indeed.

Historical Planning

This image shows a meeting between MacArthur and Roosevelt, taken in 1944. This is where they ultimately decide to invade the Philippines.

Disguise

Just from this picture alone, taken in 1917, you wouldn’t be able to tell this is Vladimir Lenin. He was in disguise to be able to enter Finland under the alias Konstantin Ivanov.

Human Chain

On August 23, 1989, a human chain was made by people from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. They were protesting against Communism in the only way they knew how.