Some Rare Historical Photos That You May Have Never Seen

Looking at historical photos is a great way to travel back in time and experience the past. Whether the sepia-toned images of the Wild West or the black and whites of World War II can give us a glimpse into moments that are long gone. Not only are they fascinating to look at, but they also tell us stories about events, people, and places that shaped history. These old photos can help us gain a greater appreciation for our ancestors, as well as giving us a better understanding of our current society. Here are some rare historical photos that you may have never seen, which can help us learn more about the world we live in.

1. Survivors of the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp

In April, 1945, the 743rd Tank Battalion of USA successfully intercepted the Nazi's train as they tried to transport out about 7,500 prisoners from Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Thanks to that, those poor prisoners held in the trains and the camp could finally be freed. But most of them were on the verge of death due to the ultra appalling conditions at the camp and needed medical help right away.

2. Constructing the Face of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, which is considered to be the most iconic landmark of the United States, was actually a magnificent gift bestowed by France. It was built in Paris beginning in 1883, then transported to America in pieces. It's said that French artist Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi modeled the its face based on that of his mother, which is the lady standing on the right in this photo.

3. Helen Keller And Dwight Eisenhower

Although Helen Keller could not see or hear the world, she still tried her best to help people. This photo was shoot in November, 1953 when she visited the White House with Polly Thomson. And when Keller got the permission to touch Dwight Eisenhower's face to "see" him, Thomson communicated the president's responses by sign language on Helen Keller's palm.

4. Leo the Lion of MGM

The mascot of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, known as "Leo the Lion", always roars at the start of every MGM movie. But did you know that there is actually not only one but several different lions? The one in this old photo was Jackie, whose roar appears in The Wizard of Oz. The sound of his roar was recorded in advance, and it was then overlaid on video of him roaring toward the camera.

5. A Child Laborer In Factory

It's true that the Industrial Revolution brought about great progress to the whole society, but it also had terrible impacts. For example, numerous children who were younger than 16-year-old had to work in 1900, and about 18% of the American workforce was child labor. They all put in long hours for meager compensation. This is one of the photos taken by investigators from the National Child Labor Committee, an 11-year-old child looking out the window in a spinning mill.

6. Linda the Llama in NYC

This is not just any random photo of animals. The llama in the car is the famous Linda the Llama, star of the small screen. Photographer Inge Morath took this picture in 1957 when Linda was on her way home from a TV studio with her trainer Mrs. Lorraine D'Essen. Linda was sticking its head out of the rear door glass and enjoying the view of New York City.

7. A Guy Climbing Skyscraper During WWI

During WWI, many Americans who were not able to fight on the front lines, helped and supported their motherland in different ways. In 1918, this brave guy came up with a creative, yet extremely risky idea to raise money for War Relief. He decided to climb up a rope attached to a skyscraper in Times Square. While climbing at a dizzying height, this “Human Squirrel” even performed several daring stunts!

8. Skinny Santa Claus on street in 1902, Chicago

The Santa in this old photo looks different from the loving guy that we are familiar with, he looks thinner and even a little bit scary. However, Santa’s early figures weren’t as standard as now, there were many different depictions of Santa Claus around the world. Things changed when Coca-Cola created a welcoming Santa in 1931. The character became a plump, warm, friendly, pleasantly senior.