It’s fascinating to look back at vintage photos to see how far we’ve come as a state.

Overtime, landmarks change and small towns evolve. Texas’ major cities didn’t always look like they do now. It’s hard to imagine what the streets looked like before skyscrapers towered over them and automobiles were lined bumper-to-bumper. The following photos showcase various places in Texas from around 100 years ago. Observe what’s changed in your hometown and/or other cities you’re familiar with:

1. Richardson, Texas, circa 1900
Wikimedia Commons
A telephone operator connects callers to their desired line. My, oh my, how much simpler times were back then.
2. Merrill Hotel, Lubbock, Texas, circa 1920
Wikimedia Commons
Stationwagons fill the parking spots of the hotel while men and women gather in the street. The pole of a barbershop can be seen in the distance.
3. El Paso, Texas, between 1915 and 1920.
Wikimedia Commons
Troops stand guard on the border between Texas and Mexico. The tepee they slept in can be seen behind them.
4. Richardson, Texas, circa 1920.
Wikimedia Commons
Two men get their hair cut in a barbershop. Beauty parlors sure have changed in the past century, haven't they y'all?
5. Unknown location, circa 1920.
Wikimedia Commons
A team of horses pulls a boiler; oil drilling rigs tower in the background. Three small children stand, hands clasped, at the forefront of the photo.

Related Stories

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

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

 This Is The Oldest Place You Can Possibly Go In Texas And Its History Will Fascinate You

This Is The Oldest Place You Can Possibly Go In Texas And Its History Will Fascinate You

 One Of The Last WWII Blimp Hangars Is Right Here In Texas And It’s So Worth A Visit

One Of The Last WWII Blimp Hangars Is Right Here In Texas And It’s So Worth A Visit
6. Galveston, Texas, 1918-1928.
Wikimedia Commons
Hundreds of tourists gather on the newly built seawall, enjoying the cool breeze of an early summer day. Children play in the sand and wade in the water, and folks can be seen on a pier that's attached to what we assume to be a restaurant.
7. Marfa, Texas, 1916-1917.
Wikimedia Commons
Troops on horseback advance to the Texas/Mexico border during the Mexican Revolution. A station wagon can be seen traveling alongside them.
8. Bonham, Texas, 1913.
Wikimedia Commons
An entourage of cowboys gathers to prepare for the local state fair. Those horses sure are gorgeous!
9 Cleburne, Texas, circa 1910.
Wikimedia Commons
A few horses & buggies can be seen parked in front of businesses on Main Street while their drivers spend the day shopping. I wish downtown districts of cities were this empty nowadays!
10. Marlin, Texas, 1900-1910.
Wikimedia Commons
The Marlin Sanitarium looms over the surrounding area, menacing and foreboding. It looks more like a courthouse or other federal building rather than an asylum!

How has your city or hometown changed since the early 1900s? Share your thoughts, memories, and observations with us!

For more vintage photos of Texas, check out our previous article: Here Are The Oldest Photos Ever Taken In Texas And They’re Incredible.

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

Related Articles

Explore Texas