Viewing historic photos is a great way to step back in time. Thankfully, many photos taken in Alabama during the 1800s and early 1900s have been preserved, which makes them easily accessible for viewing today. Listed below are 12 of the oldest photos ever taken Alabama. They’ll give you a quick glimpse of the state’s past.

1. In this shot, cotton is being brought to market in Montgomery, Alabama - 1900.
Wikimedia Commons/Yale University Manuscripts & Archives Digital Images Database
2. A view of the University of Alabama Quad in 1859. All buildings were destroyed by the Union Army in 1865.
Wikimedia Commons/University of Alabama Libraries: William Stanley Hoole Special Collections Library
3. Old Main Building on South College Street in Auburn, Alabama - 1883.
Wikimedia Commons/photographer unknown
4. Mayor A.O. Lane's mansion in Birmingham, Alabama - 1887.
flickr/Brian
5. An incredible shot of Fort Morgan at Mobile Bay in 1864.
Wikimedia Commons/National Archives
6. A shot of downtown Montgomery after the Alabama River flooded in 1886.
wikimedia commons/Alabama Dept. of Archives and History

Related Stories

These 11 Photos Of Alabama From The Early 1900s Are Beyond Fascinating

These 11 Photos Of Alabama From The Early 1900s Are Beyond Fascinating

 One Of The Deadliest Accidents In U.S. History Happened Right Here In Alabama

One Of The Deadliest Accidents In U.S. History Happened Right Here In Alabama

 Most People Don't Know About These Strange Ruins Hiding In Alabama

Most People Don't Know About These Strange Ruins Hiding In Alabama
7. The presidential party on a train between the cities of Decatur and Tuscumbia in 1901.
Library of Congress/Underwood & Underwood
8. A view of Dauphin Street in Mobile, Alabama - 1901.
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co.
9. The inauguration of Jefferson Davis in Montgomery, Alabama on February 18, 1861.
Wikipedia/Archibald Crossland McIntyre
10. A view of Second Avenue looking east in Birmingham, Alabama - 1906.
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co.
11. Damage from "The Great Cyclone" in Albertville, Alabama - 1908.
Wikipedia/National Weather Service
12. A fantastic view of Dexter Avenue and the Capitol building in Montgomery, Alabama - 1906.
Wikimedia Commons/Detroit Publishing Co.

What do you think about these historic photos? Do any of these locations look familiar? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

For more interesting photos of Alabama’s past, take a look at these rare photos taken during the Great Depression. They’ll amaze you!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Alabama

Featured Addresses
Alabama, USA