Do you ever wonder what life was like before the conveniences of today? As you might imagine, it wasn’t the most glamorous time to live. People had to work a lot harder back then, and the rewards for their efforts were not always as great as they are today. Still, it wasn’t the worst time to live, and these pictures will act as a time machine as we show you what life was like in the 1800s.
When you look through these pictures, you’ll see that there were many stark differences between the 1800s and today. For one, there weren’t many cars for most of the century. Also, people often had to work undesirable jobs, like working as fishermen and working on the railroad. There was also a lot of poverty at the time, and many people had to make do with very little.
However, in many ways, life hasn’t changed that much since the 1800s. Many of us still work very hard like they did back then. There are also international conflicts happening today like there were during that time so many years ago. People also dealt with traffic like they do today. It was certainly a unique time and we think you’ll find these photos to be very enlightening.
To find these photos and learn more about what life was like in the 1800s, 24/7 Tempo went through various historical texts and online sources. In addition to looking through encyclopedia articles, we referenced History.com, Ancestory.com, the Library of Congress, and more. It’s interesting to look at what life was like many years ago, and if you’d like to revisit another different time, check out this photo gallery that shows what life was like in 1920s.
Cameras Were Brand New
When we think about what life was like in the 1800s, it’s important to remember that it was a time before electronics, even cameras. There were no selfies back then and certainly no social media. This image is a heliographic image that is considered to be the first photo ever. It was taken in 1826. The image is of the buildings and countryside surrounding the estate Le Gras estate in France.
Bandits Were Common
This photo is called Bandits’ Roost, and it was part of the book by Jacob Riis called “How the Other Half Lives.” This picture shows a gang hiding out in a back alley and they don’t look like a group you’d want to run across. Riis wanted to show the readers that there were many people out there who weren’t living glamorous lives.
There Were Revolts
The 1800s was a tough time for many countries around the world, including in Europe. In this photo, we see a barricade created by the Paris Commune, which was a French revolutionary government that tried to take over the country in that time. In this photo, they’re posing in front of their new barrier.
The Backstreets Were Busy in the 1800s
This image was taken for a book called “The People of the Abyss” by Jack London. It shows people hanging out and traveling down Dorset Street. This was considered the worst street in London because of the people and the crimes that often went down there. This was even the location of a murder by legendary serial killer Jack the Ripper. Granted, we still have dangerous streets today, but this was on another level.
Medicine Was Much Different
Vintage Medicine Bag. Black and white leather doctor bag with several glass bottles of herbs, tinctures, and home
The world of medicine was much different back in the 1800s when there were far fewer cures for what ailed the people fo that time. This photo is of a vintage medical kit from back in the day. It’s filled with tinctures, herbs, and home remedies. Some of them worked, some didn’t. Still, it’s all they had.
People had Different Jobs Back Then
Children stand in front of their father's fishing boat at Scheveningen the Hague, Netherlands (Holland). Photo by Dr. Charles Mitchell commissioned for an 1894 book about Holland. Source: Original edition is from my own archives. Copyright has expired and is in Public Domain.
When we think about what life was like in the 1800s, we picture people doing a lot of hard work to get even the basic essentials of life. In this picture, we see a family standing in front of their father’s fishing boat. They likely also did a lot of the work to help out their dad. It was a team effort and the family bond was stronger because of those efforts.
The Civil War was Happening
Source: Christine_Kohler / Getty Images Plus1898 Photo of a man in historical military uniform and sword at the Gettysburg battlefield, when the Union army defeated the Confederate soldiers, is considered the turning point of the American Civil War. The most casualties in one battle occurred July 1–3, 1863 at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Photo published in an 1898 literature book. Copyright has expired and is in Public Domain.
1898 Photo of a man in historical military uniform and sword at the Gettysburg battlefield, when the Union army defeated the Confederate soldiers, is considered the turning point of the American Civil War. The most casualties in one battle occurred July 1–3, 1863 at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Photo published in an 1898 literature book. Copyright has expired and is in Public Domain.
The 1860s were a turbulent time, and the Civil War was in full swing. In this image, we see a man in his military uniform after the Confederate soldiers had just been defeated by the Union army.
Hospitals Were Very Basic
Medical doctors and nurses inside a London ward with patients.
This is an image taken inside one of the finer hospitals of the day. It is a photo of doctors and nurses standing in a London Ward. For what it’s worth, the space does look rather comfy, with beds for the patients and dishes for various needs. This was about as good as it got back then.
There Were Many International Conflicts
The Philippine–American War or the Filipino–American War was an armed conflict between the First Philippine Republic and the United States that lasted from February 4, 1899, to July 2, 1902
As countries were finding a place to fit into the world, there were many conflicts and battles. This image is of soldiers that were involved in the Philippine–American War, which was when the United States tried to extend their influence across the Pacific. The conflict began in February of 1899 and concluded in July of 1902.
Walking the City Streets was Great Fun
Main Street in Boston in 19th century tree lined. Walking with shops and fashion style of Bostonians in 19th century style.
Just like people enjoy walking through the streets of the city and going window shopping today, people back in the 1800s also enjoyed strolling down their tree-lined main streets to go to the shops and show off their style. Many streets still look like this today, but most streets have twice as many buildings.
There Were Great Places To Sit Back and Relax
The Library at The Players, a private men's club for performing, literary, and visual artists and their supporters located in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, Photograph engraving published 1895. This edition is in my private collection. Copyright is in public domain.
This is an exclusive image inside The Library at The Players, a private men’s club for literary, performing, and visual arts. This was a place for affluent men to relax and enjoy the finer things in life. There are still establishments like this today, but back then, this was as close to heaven on Earth as you could get.
Football was a Bit Different
American football players practicing in 1895 at Princeton University, New Jersey. USA. Sepia-toned photograph engraving published 1896. Original edition is from my own archives. Copyright has expired and is in Public Domain.
Football has been around for a long time, even during the 1800s. The rules were a bit different then, however, and so were the uniforms. In this picture, we see a Princeton University team playing and getting pretty active. However, notice that their helmets were nowhere close to being as protective as they are today, so it was very dangerous.
Houses Were Not Always Made Out of Wood
If you lived during the 1800s, you might have a house, but it may not be made out of wood or bricks. In this case, a happy family stands in front of their house that’s made of sod. This sod house was in North Dakota, and the image was taken in 1898. The family here is actually Norwegian immigrants who made a life in America.
Apartments Were Cramped in the 1800s
In this photo, we see a group of tenants trying to get some sleep in a very small, lower-class apartment. This picture was taken in 1889, and it was also included in the book called “How the Other Half Lives.” The people here were not told that their picture would be taken. Instead, it was a surprise. The photographer and author, Jacob Riis, wanted to bring awareness to the poverty of the time and this picture probably convinced a few people of the problem.
Cowboys Were Still Roaming the Countryside
Although we see a lot of hustle and bustle in the streets in previous pictures, remember that the 1800s was a long time ago, so people did things a bit differently back then. This cowboy in South Dakota is going about his day, and he has all the tools he needs right there on his trusty steed. He didn’t need electronics or social media to get through his day.
They Completed Big Projects in the 1800s
While there were limits to the type of tools they had, and there was almost no technology, the hard workers of the 1800s were able to complete some incredible projects. In this case, we have a picture of a celebration after the workers completed the First Transcontinental Railroad. It’s quite amazing. It’s still fun to take the train today, so make a plan to hop aboard one and visit America’s most amazing natural wonders.