15 Vintage Photos Of Texas That Will Have You Longing For The Good Old Days

The saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words" couldn't hold more truth. Photographs capture the precious moments that would otherwise become distant, faded memories in the backs of our minds. The following 15 photos were taken between 1940 and 1980 in Texas, and they showcase some of our state's most historic sites, figures, and events.

1. Houston Fire Station, 1976. Look how different fire trucks were back then! No red in sight apart from the lights.

2. University of Houston Marching Band, 1951. Maybe you recognize a former classmate or family member in this picture.

3. Big Tex, 1956. The namesake for the motto, "Everything's bigger in Texas!" stood just as tall and proud 50 years ago as he does today.

4. President LBJ, 1963. It's hard to believe one of history's most beloved presidents was from Texas.

5. Pecos Rodeo, early 1900s. The subpar quality of this photo is a testament to its age - this rodeo was the world's very first, beginning in 1883!

6. University of Texas Tower, 1980. It's hardly changed at all over these past 40 years.

7. Downtown Galveston, 1973. Does this look like the Strand we all know and love today?

8. Austin's Town Lake, 1980. Not a paddle board or kayak in sight just yet.

9. Stewart Beach, 1973. Take a look at all those classic cars! The good old days, for sure.

10. The Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, 1943. Do you have any family members who flew in these very planes?

11. Dual tornadoes in Dallas, 1957. Definitely a rare sighting for Texas!

12. Downtown El Paso, 1956. It's changed so much, I can hardly recognize it.

13. Austin's Paramount Theatre, 1943. Congress Ave sure doesn't look like this anymore.

14. The grand opening of a 7-eleven on Park Lane in Dallas, 1974. Do any of y'all remember this?

15. Downtown Houston, 1970s. Quite a few more skyscrapers have gone up since then, wouldn't you agree?

Do you remember any of the places, people or events captured in these photos? For more vintage pictures of Texas, check out 20 Rare Photos Taken In Texas During The Great Depression.