50 Iconic and Rare Historical Photographs

We at HistoryColored have decided to curate 50 interesting, rare and iconic photos from history. There are many reasons why a photograph may be featured on this list. Some of the reasons include: it was the first time something was ever captured on camera, it shows a famous figure from history, the image depicts an important historical event, it is a “rare” photo that does not get shared as much as it should, or it is an “iconic” historical photo. It may not fall under any of these categories but can still be featured in this list for a different reason.

These photographs are in no particular order. They have been curated and added to the list over a long period of time, so no decision was taken on how they should be ordered. Be sure to take the time to check out every historical photograph featured on this list!

As well as this list, be sure to check out the other photos featured on HistoryColored!

1. The First Photograph Ever Taken, 1826 or 1827

The first photograph in history, the view from a window at Le Gras in 1826 or 1827.
The oldest surviving photograph to exist. It was taken by pioneer photographer, Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. The scene depicts a view from a window in Nicéphore Niépce’s estate known as Le Gras in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes, Bourgogne, France in 1826 or 1827. Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

2. General William Tecumseh Sherman, circa 1865

Side profile photograph of General William Tecumseh Sherman in his Union Army military uniform in c. 1865
Side profile of Union Army Major General, and the Commanding General of the US Army, William Tecumseh Sherman, in his Union Army military uniform in circa 1865. Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

3. Dali Atomicus, 1948

Salvador Dali suspended in mid air along with other objects within the iconic photograph Dali Atomicus taken in 1948
The photographic artwork by Philippe Halsman called “Dali Atomicus” showing three cats water, an easel, a chair, and Salvador Dalí all frozen in mid-air, 1948. This was the 28th attempt at taking this photograph. Credit: Library of Congress // Public Domain

4. The Solvay Conference on Quantum Mechanics, 1927

Key attendees of the 1927 Solvay conference photographed sitting down and in suits. The names are Auguste Piccard, Émile Henriot, Paul Ehrenfest, Édouard Herzen, Théophile de Donder, Erwin Schrödinger, Jules-Émile Verschaffelt, Wolfgang Pauli, Werner Heisenberg, Ralph Howard Fowler, Léon Brillouin,
Peter Debye, Martin Knudsen, William Lawrence Bragg, Hendrik Anthony Kramers, Paul Dirac, Arthur Compton, Louis de Broglie, Max Born, Niels Bohr,
Irving Langmuir, Max Planck, Marie Skłodowska Curie, Hendrik Lorentz, Albert Einstein, Paul Langevin, Charles Eugène Guye, Charles Thomson Rees Wilson, Owen Willans Richardson
The 1927 Solvay Conference on Quantum Mechanics at the Institut International de Physique Solvay in Brussels, Belgium. This image features many of the greatest scientists in modern history. Some of those that you may recognize are: Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Max Planck, Niels Bohr, and Auguste Piccard. See the full list of names here. Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

5. King George V & Tsar Nicholas II Together, 1913

Nicholas II of Russia photographed alongside similar looking and cousin King George V of the United Kingdom, while wearing military uniform.
First cousins and royals Tsar Nicholas II of Russia (left) & King George V of the United Kingdom (right) photographed together wearing military uniforms in Berlin, Germany, 1913. Credit: Library of Congress // Public Domain

6. The Manhattan Bridge Under Construction, 1909

Photographs of the Manhattan Bridge under construction. You can see the layout of the bridge but there is still a lot to build. March 23 1909.
The construction of the Manhattan Bridge on the East River in New York City. This photograph was taken on March 23, 1909. The bridge finished construction in 1909 and first opened up on the 31st of December 1909. Credit: Library of Congress // Public Domain

7. Soviet Prisoner of War, 1940

An injured Prisoner of War from the Soviet Union with a bandage around his bloody head, with clothing wrapped around his body. He looks cold as he is near the Arctic Circle where temperatures can get to -43 degrees Celsius
An injured Soviet Prisoner of War (POW) dressed in new clothes near the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland, during the Winter War on the 6th of January 1940. Credit: Military Museum of Finland // CC BY 4.0

8. Dr. Wernher von Braun with 5 F-1 Engines

Aerospace engineer Wernher von Braun standing next to five F-1 rocket engines in 1969.
Dr. Wernher von Braun, an aerospace engineer that was a leading figure in Nazi German rocket technology, and then United States rocket technology, photographed standing in front of five F-1 rocket engines in circa 1969. Credit: Wikimedia Commons // Public Domains

FROM TEEN IDOL TO TIMELESS: SEE HOW THIS ’90S STAR ROCKS GRAY HAIR AT 61

In the ’90s, many heartthrobs won the hearts of millions, and one actor from that era still captures attention today.

Now 61 years old, he has embraced his natural look, including his gray hair, and continues to charm fans with his signature crystal-blue eyes.

Born on July 22, 1963, in Norfolk, Virginia, this actor became famous through popular TV shows like “Silk Stalkings,” “Melrose Place,” and “90210.” His talent and good looks made him a star, and his unique blue eyes made him even more memorable.

Fans often rave about his Instagram posts, where his natural aging look, including his gray hair, has earned comments like “Aging like fine wine” and “Still a hot man! A year older than me and looking great.”

Many people appreciate how he stays true to himself. One fan wrote, “You look amazing! Naturally youthful. You are living well, congrats!” Another fan reminisced, saying, “My teenage crush.”

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His eyes have always been a standout feature, and fans have never forgotten them. Even though time has brought silver streaks to his hair, his captivating eyes—still bright and clear—continue to be a major point of admiration.

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Fans often comment on his eyes, with one saying, “Oh, those beautiful eyes of yours,” and another noting, “Your eyes are literally crystals.” One fan summed it up with, “One of my favorite male actors. He keeps getting better looking as he ages.”

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His choice to age naturally, without cosmetic treatments, sets him apart in an industry often fixated on youth. This decision has strengthened his bond with fans, who see him as not just a past heartthrob but as a symbol of authenticity and self-acceptance.

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It’s always inspiring to see someone embrace their journey and stay true to themselves. If there’s anything specific you’d like to explore or any other topic you’re interested in, just let me know!

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Rob Este’s choice to marry Erin Bolte and their move to San Clemente reflect his commitment to a stable and family-focused life. It’s wonderful how he’s managed to balance his public career with a fulfilling personal life. If you want to dive into more details about their life or anything else, just let me know!

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Rob Este and Erin Bolte’s move to San Clemente provided the perfect backdrop for their family life. The peaceful beachside town was ideal for raising their children. Rob’s older kids, Mason and Maya, from his previous marriage to Josie Bissett, also enjoyed the new environment. It sounds like a great setting for their family life!

Rob Este and Erin Bolte’s move to San Clemente marked a new chapter in their lives. While Mason, Rob’s son from his previous marriage, lived with them and went to San Clemente High School, Maya, his daughter, stayed in Seattle with her mother but visited often.

Rob and his ex-wife, Josie Bissett, have a good co-parenting relationship, which helps their kids feel supported by both parents.

Their new home is a four-bedroom house by the beach, a big upgrade from their old, smaller place in Santa Monica. The beachside location, which they call their “bubble,” is perfect for their family-oriented lifestyle.

San Clemente is also special for Erin and Rob because it’s where they first met on a blind date set up by friends. At that time, Rob was living between Seattle and Los Angeles and stayed with his sister in San Clemente. He later found a role in “The Women’s Murder Club” and moved to Santa Monica.

Despite his busy career, Rob makes sure to be home for family dinners almost every night, showing how important family values are to him.

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The Bolte-Estes family values their time together, and their “no electronics at dinner” rule is a key part of their routine. This rule helps them connect with each other and enjoy their meals without distractions. Erin and Rob’s approach to family life reflects their commitment to simplicity and togetherness, making their home in San Clemente a special place for shared moments and meaningful connections.

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Rob Estes, now 61, has embraced a peaceful life in San Clemente with his wife, Erin, and their blended family. Despite the pressures of fame, he finds joy and relaxation in music and gardening. Playing music has been a passion since his school days, and gardening helps him unwind, especially when he’s stressed.

Erin jokes that when Rob isn’t happy, the trees in their garden seem to go away, but in reality, he channels his energy into maintaining their garden, which brings him calm and fulfillment.

Though he has stepped back from the spotlight, Estes continues to act in roles that are meaningful to him. In December 2023, fans were excited to see him in the trailer for the movie “Beautiful Wedding,” showing that his love for acting is still strong.

Living in San Clemente, Estes has redefined success by focusing on family and a slower pace of life. His commitment to a simpler, more personal life demonstrates that true success comes from the quality of one’s personal life, not just fame.

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