Here Are Some Of The Oldest Photos Ever Taken In Nebraska And They’re Incredible
In Nebraska’s earliest days, the only means of documenting daily life were with the written word. As cameras grew in popularity and became more available, photographers made their way across the prairie to document life in Nebraska and other rural states. While we can’t say for sure that these are literally the oldest photos ever taken in Nebraska, we do know that they’re among the first photos ever taken here and preserved for generations to come.
1. A group of five men poses at a trading post, probably at Scotts Bluff, in 1851 or 1852.
This is one of the most well known photos from the Solomon Butcher collection. One of the reasons is Rawding's history as a Union Army Civil War veteran; he was shot in the face over his right eye by a musket ball which was never removed.
4. This photo from 1884 or 1885 is a beautiful example of an early Nebraska homestead in Custer County. Note the windmill on the roof.
5. Unfortunately, not much information accompanies most of these vintage photos. It would be interesting to know the story behind these four women, one man, and one small child in Custer County, taken in 1887.
The sign you see was erected by the photographer. The photo op was meant to celebrate the swift westward progress of Union Pacific's tracks.
12. The Frederic Schreyer house in Custer County is depicted here in the late 1880s. This unique two-story home has a sod base and a wooden upper level.
13. This brave family made their way west in a covered wagon in 1866. They look weary, but one can only imagine the hope in their hearts for the prosperous life in their future.
Many of Nebraska’s oldest photographs were captured in and around Custer County by Solomon D. Butcher. We’re so grateful that he and other photographers were able to capture little moments in the homesteading era in Nebraska, because these pictures remind us of how hard our ancestors had to struggle to tame the then-wild Nebraska.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Nebraska, USA
Nebraska In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
