Here Are The Oldest Photos Ever Taken In Kentucky And They're Incredible
Andrea Limke
Author
The history of Kentucky is interesting, intriguing, and important to learn from and preserve. While it’s nearly impossible to know which historic photos were the first ever taken of our state, we were able to round up several, all of which are over 100 years old. It’s exciting to be able to look back on our state and see images from the past that show how our state became what it is today! Check out these old photos of Kentucky, and maybe – just maybe – you’ll recognize a few still-standing icons.
1. This photo shows a group from the Civil War, Company D Fourth Kentucky Volunteers, who enlisted in 1861 in Louisville.
2. From the same time period around 1862, these soldiers are crossing the Barren River. An image to keep in mind the next time you're near this body of water.
3. This image was taken around 1900, on a snowy street in Columbus. It gives you a glimpse of what life was like back then in small town Kentucky.
4. Here, a group stands outside a Methodist church in Hopkinsville in 1901. Today, the town is preparing for some of its largest crowds ever with the upcoming solar eclipse.
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5. We all know and love the aerial views of Louisville. This is a shot of how the city looked in 1910.
6. One of the most recognized buildings in Louisville, even today, the Seelbach Hotel was built in 1905. This photo shows it in all its grandness in 1910.
7. Any Wildcat fans? Do you recognize this place? This photo shows how the University of Kentucky looked in 1916. The University was founded in 1865.
8. This little one-room school house was just for African American students in 1916.
9. 1917 was a notable year for the Kentucky Derby. The winning horse, Omar Khayyam, was the first foreign bred horse to win the Derby, having been foaled in England.
It’s interesting to think that in another 100 years, future generations will look back on photos of us and how we lived our lives in Kentucky. What are your thoughts on these photos? What is your favorite piece of Kentucky history? Share with us in the comments!
For more historic photos from Kentucky, check out these old WWII photos! Or, for more Kentucky history, check out some of our favorite historical sites in Louisville. Then, check out one of the state’s many historic mansions right on the KY Bourbon Trail – and book a stay!
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