Incredible, Unedited Historical Pictures you Wouldn’t Believe are Real |

The internet has done many incredible things for humanity in general, but we want to focus today on the privilege of being able to explore the past to your heart’s content. If you think that you’ve seen it all when it comes to modern history, but we bet you haven’t seen all of these unique, rare and totally mind-blowing historical photographs. Here’s our disclaimer: many of these pics will change your perception of history forever!

Marilyn and the Drones

Marilyn Can Fix It

Before capturing the hearts of worldwide fans, Marilyn Monroe’s life was completely different. She was employed by the US Military in Van Nuys as a drone-fixer, a significantly less glamorous position. Following a complete life change, she also changed her name. She was actually born as Norma Jeane Doughtery. The photographer who took this picture was David Conover and he is credited with discovering her. The rest, as they say, is history.

A Spot of Shopping for Audrey Hepburn, with her Pet Deer of Course!

Audrey Hepburn Shopping With Her Pet Deer

Of course, Hollywood is filled with unusual couples, but here’s a super-unusual one. Audrey Hepburn and her little deer friend, Pippin. The Movie she was filming”at the time was “Green Mansion”; and part of her homework was to spend time with the fawn. She came to love the little deer so much and is seen here doing her shopping with her little pet. We would have done the same! Isn’t that sweet?

Iron Lady Marilyn

Marilyn Pumping Iron

Marilyn Monroe was always more than just a pretty face, but at the height of her fame, she had to work hard to stay in great shape. Those around at the time remember how she used to do bench presses and squats diligently while she wasn’t on set. Marylin was a pioneer for women’s fitness, and encouraged many other women around the world to begin lifting weights, something previously reserved for men.

Arnold and Sylvester

Arnold And Sylvester

No self-respecting eighties action movie would be complete without either one of these guys. Interestingly, they both dated Brigitte Neilsen, but are still big friends to this day. We love how these two ‘tough guys’ still had incredible sense of humor and were not afraid to fool around. While we would expect such behavior from the mischevious Schwarzenegger, we were surprised that Stallone was down with clowning around like this.

A Chicken-eating Walt Disney

A Chicken Eating Walt Disney

Looking quite pleased with himself, this picture of Walt Disney was taken at the time he was enjoying the initial success of Mickey Mouse and Snow White. Like many Americans, Walt treated himself to some delicious soul food to celebrate a rousing victory. It is amazing to see even the most successful people in the world sit down to enjoy some simple but heartwarming food like the rest of us.

Marilyn Monroe and Director, Billy Wilder

Marilyn Monroe And Director, Billy Wilder

During the filming of Some Like it Hot, Marilyn Monroe gained herself a reputation of being difficult to work with. She was at the height of her prescription pill addiction, resulting in poor concentration and a hard time getting her lines right. It is reported that she took 47 takes to get the line “it’s me, Sugar” right in this pic the film’s director, Billy Wilder, gives Marilyn some advice.

Jayne Mansfield loved Publicity

Jayne Mansfield Loved Publicity

She would have fit right into our modern world of social media because Jayne Mansfield was known for seeking out the limelight. Thank goodness that this starlet was born long before Instagram, as we would have all gotten quite sick of her quickly. In this picture, while Jayne soaks up the camera’s attention, Sophia Loren looks on with a disapproving air. The two had an infamous rivalry to boot, clearly!

Bikini Inventor with Model

Bikini Inventor With Model

Frenchman Louis Reard is credited with inventing the bikini. He is seen here with a model sporting the unique 2 piece swimsuit that we came to call the bikini later on. Of course, he didn’t realize at the time that because of him, women’s beachwear would never be the same again! Given how stuffy and conservative America was during the early 20th century, the bikini was met by a defensive majority.

Just Before the Assassination of JFK

Just Before The Assassination Of JFK

This picture was taken on November 22nd 1963, moments before JFK was assassinated and the world was presented with one of the biggest controversies in American history. Given the happy and triumphant expressions on John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie, they could never have guessed that this majestic parade would soon be turned into a horrifyingly tragic nightmare. John would only moments later be instantly killed by a hidden sniper.

Johnny Carson and Carol Wayne

Johnny Carson And Carol Wayne

Carol Wayne was often featured on the Tonight Show as the “Matinee Lady”, but here you can see her being interviewed by Johhny Carson on The Johnny Carson Show. This picture was taken almost exactly a year before she mysteriously died while on vacation in Mexico. Her tragic death would occur some time after she and her companion Edward Durston took a break from one another after a heated argument.

Lucille Ball: She was on Fire

Lucille’s Great Balls Of Fire

The enormously popular show “Ï love Lucy” featuring Lucy and Ricky Ricardo rocked the screens back in the 1950s. Lucy was incredibly funny, unique and off the wall, just like this picture. This picture was taken during the episode where Lucy’s fake nose catches fire. This was just one of many hilarious and creative gags that Lucy and Rick thought up and executed to their massive audiences’ delight for many years.

Hendrix Claus

A Legendary photo of a legend in a Santa Claus costume, here we have Jimi Hendrix dressed for the ho ho ho. In the pic, he is holding the albums that would become total classics. Looking at Hendrix in his prime, we agree this is a great pic and we love it. This was a rare moment of brevity for the otherwise serious musician, who spent much of his career combatting the injustices of American society at the time.

Someone Funny, Someone Clever

Not many people realize that Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin were the best of friends. This pic was taken when Einstein was travelling to the US and was on a tour of Universal Studios. He happened to meet Chaplin while there and the two hit it off, becoming lifelong friends. Not surprising, given that the two giants were the leaders in their respective positions, comedy and science. We would love to know what they talked about!

Dalai Lama as a Child

Dalai Lama As A Child

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was only 15 years old when he took control of Tibet and had many followers from a very young age. Born in 1935 to a family of farmers, he would go on to rule Tibet from 1950. The spiritual leader would then be disposed and exiled from his country when China took over, devoting the rest of his life to reclaiming his sovereignty. So far, he has had no success in the matter.

Fly like a Butterfly, Sting like a Beatle?

Fly Like A Butterfly, Sting Like A… Beatle

Every now and then, the most awesomely diverse kinds of people get to come together in unforgettable moments, like this one when Muhammed Ali – one of the greatest boxers of all time – met the Beatles – one of the most successful bands of all time. This is an amazing picture that makes us smile! We cannot help but feel like Ali was not the biggest fan of the rebellious whippersnappers.

A Showy Flyer

Curious Swedish flight attendant, Birgitta Lindman, takes a closer look at a showgirl’s dress in 1959. This incredible contrast between the stringent modesty of the old world and the inception of a more sexually liberal world makes for a fascinating juxtaposition. If anyone had any worries that the outfit on the right would soon be integrated into flight attendant uniforms, then they were thankfully proven wrong! Flight attendants continue to dress rather similarly to the woman on the left.

A Happy Family Reunion

All too often, conflicts around the world are resolved through prisoner exchanges and release negotiations. In the 1970s, “Operation Homecoming” negotiated the exchange of captured US soldiers from Viet Cong. This is fighter pilot Col Robert Stirm meeting his family after 6 long years of captivity. If you have seen a film like The Deer Hunter then you can accurately imagine what life must have been like for this man during his captivity.

A Chained Houdini

When you think of daring escape artists, one man comes up almost immediately: Mr Harr Houdini. He was known for his daring stunts and escape acts, but as his career got longer, his escape acts became more and more extreme. He used chains in his acts and even buried himself alive now and then. All in a day’s work for Harry Houdini! Sadly, after escaping so many terrifying self-made traps, Houdini died in hospital from injuries sustained from a skeptic who punched him repeatedly below the belt.

Titanic: First Class

Titanic First Class

Nobody got to properly enjoy the exquisite beauty of the Titanic due to its tragically short life. It was, in fact, one of the most luxuriously appointed ships ever built. Beautiful rooms such as this one were found on the Titanic, with ensuite bathrooms and all the amenities you would want. The terrible loss of life aside, we can also mourn the fathomless opulence that was so carefully and lovingly built into this mammoth ship.

Elizabeth in Uniform

Elizabeth In Uniform

Most people don’t know that Queen Elizabeth is the only female member of the British royal family to have enlisted in the military. She actually served in World War II as an 18-year-old princess! She joined the Women’s Auxillary Territorial Service and also trained in London as a mechanic. If you ever thought that Queen Elizabeth had nothing but gallant balls and lavish tea parties to her name, think again!

Marilyn’s Game

Throughout her career, Marilyn Monroe was known to make surprise appearances. Here she’s seen at a 1957 friendly between the US and Israel national teams. She grabbed the ball and kicked it before the game began. No stranger to the limelight, Marylin was never afraid to become involved in any highly public affair, and clearly did not care what the affair was! She loved to be involved in anything and everything that was exhilarating.

Presley’s Other Side

Oftentimes celebs find themselves serving their country in the military before or during their climb to fame. Elvis Presley was one such person. In 1958 he served in the US army but was already a household name by then. Many of his fellow recruits found themselves serving beside their hero! When his mother had a heart attack, Elvis ended his service early and went to her. Boys will always put their mothers before anything, even military service.

Frankly, a Cut Above the Rest

Frankly, A Cut Above The Rest

In 1965, photographer John Dominis spent a couple of weeks with Frank Sinatra and ended up capturing this intimate portrait of him shaving. This scene was a stark contrast to the star’s otherwise glamorous persona, where he was rarely spotted in anything but designer suits, dressed to the nines and looking completely opulent. We would love to take such a tour of the star’s personal life this one, where he was truly himself.

The Lion in the Limelight

The Lion In The Limelight

We will let you guess what is happening here. We will give you a hint: it was the first few seconds of many films. Have you ever wondered about that lion in MGM’s opening credits? Well, the film was taken in 1928 and the star of the show was, well, Leo the Lion. The now-iconic shot must have had a fair bit of risk involved, but it was reported that no-one was injured during the filming.

An Education for All

An Education For All

Meet Dorothy Counts, the first African American to attend an all-white American school in 1957. Ignoring her surroundings, she seems to be holding a focus on why she is there – the opportunity to study. We cannot imagine how much indomitable courage and determination it must have taken for Counts to endure so much jeering and abuse from an entire school. As you can see, even teachers were in on the attacks, as shown by the man in the top right corner of the picture.

Landmarks of the Thames

Landmarks Of The Thames

What makes this an epic pic, is the clear landmarks of Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament in the background of the two people diving into the river Thames. Sometimes landmarks in old pics really make them stand out. While you might think twice about jumping into this river today, we love how free-spirited and wild people were more than a century ago. This picture is the personification of a kind of youth long lost to us.

A 19-Year-Old Giant Called Andre

A 19 Year Old Giant Called Andre

The World Wrestling Federation has a remarkable history, not least is the story of Andre the Giant, who was often called the ëighth wonder of the world because of his huge size. He competed against Hulk Hogan in Wrestlemania 1. Ultimately, Andre died from his condition, called gigantism. The thing that made him so famous and successful would also become his fatal achiles heel when the enormous pressure inside his massive body caused him to die from congestive heart failure.

A Boy and his Dog

A Boy And His Dog

All through the ages, the dog is always man’s best friend. This old pic highlights the timeless relationship, as a boy tries to get his golf ball from the pond, his dog holds his jacket so he doesn’t fall in. You could only wish to have a friend that cares for you this much, that naturally knows when you need help without a word. They say that we do not deserve dogs, and this picture proves that.

A Bathing Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway was undoubtedly eccentric. Here he is taking a bath. Did you know that Hemingway first got the inspiration for his masterpiece, “the Old Man and the Sea” while sitting in the bathtub? Being such a successful author, you would think that Hemingway could easily afford a new pair of glasses, but true to his spartan attitude, the man made the most out of his possessions until they fell to pieces.

Einstein visits the Hopi House

Einstein Visits The Hopi House

On his way to Caltech in 1931, Einstein stopped by the Hopi House near the Grand Canyon with his wife. He really wanted to join the faculty at the time. He can be seen here in a traditional headdress, along with his wife and some of the Hopi during his visit. We wonder if the people gathered around him truly appreciated what an honor it was to be visited by a man of such stature.

The DeNiro’s: Father and Son

The DeNiro’s Father And Son

It is said that the Robert DeNiro talent we know so well was inherited from his dad who was talented in the arts. Robert DeNiro dedicated some of his awards to his dad – also Robert. Here you can see the father and son enjoying some time together when Junior was a lad. It is important that we gain as much knowledge, wisdom, and skill from our parents as possible.

Landing on the Moon

Landing On The Moon

The first photo was taken by a human being on the surface of the moon! Neil Armstrong himself took this photo when they landed there in 1969. As phenomenal as this scene and experience was for the first astronauts to walk on the moon’s surface, the team had little time to appreciate the situation, being almost mechanically focused on the mission and the next goal. Regardless, these men experienced what almost no humans alive or dead ever have or will.

The Transcontinental Railroad track

The Transcontinental Railroad Track

What an amazing (unedited) picture! A native American man looks out over the railroad track in Nevada in 1868. These pioneering railroads were the skeleton or framework of the America that we understand today, allowing essential supplies, materials, and people to travel across formerly inaccessible and incredibly lengthy routes in a short amount of time. Every American citizen owes its current livelihood and successes to the invaluable efforts of the men and women that gave their lives to these missions.

World’s first Selfie, 1900

World’s First Selfie, 1900

They say this could be the first selfie ever taken. It was taken by a woman in 1900 whilst standing in front of her mirror with a camera. Very cool! While she must have thought that he was on to something incredible with this neat trick, and she was, she could have never guessed that a whole century later, most people would be taking endless pictures of themselves like crazy.

The “Thousand Yard Stare”

The Thousand Yard Stare

After two intensive days of combat at Entiewok in 1944, an American Marine is captured looking into the camera with the infamous “thousand-yard stare.” This would be one of countless men and women that would be left with terrible post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, following prolonged involvement or exposure to the nightmarish destruction of World War II. Tragically, many of the survivors of World War II would go on to suffer a lifetime of panic disorders and sleepless nights plagued with nightmares and terror.

A Relaxed Albert Einstein

Relaxing in Palm Springs with his pipe, whilst leaning back in his chair, Albert Einstein is captured in a rare moment on January 11th, 1932. In the rare gaps between solving some of the world’s most complex mathematical and scientific problems (and inventing new ones), Einstein loved to chill out, just like anyone else. We wonder what the intellectual giant thought about when he was taking a well-deserved load off?

A Model of the U.S.S. Enterprise

A Model Of The U.S.S. Enterprise

Behold! The U.S.S. Enterprise! Actually, it’s a model of it, taken in L.A. (1965). We love the contrast here between the futuristic spaceship and the technology and state of society at the time. Star Trek would go on to become one of the world’s most beloved science fiction franchises, long before Luke Skywalker discovered the force. While we would hate to stoke the flames between super-fans, Star Trek does possess a rich and lengthy history.

Last Earthly Breakfast for Neil Armstrong

Last Earthly Breakfast For Neil Armstrong

Here is Neil Armstrong in 1969 eating his last earthly breakfast before embarking on the legendary moon landing. We wonder what was going through his mind as he chomped down on some fried chicken before enduring the infamously bland and hardy astronaut diet. We also wonder whether his future counterparts would consider such an unhealthy last meal before jumping into the rocket! If you were about to go into space, what would you want your last meal to be?

The Explosion of the USS Shaw

The Explosion Of The USS Shaw

On 7 December 1941, during the infamous Pearl Harbour incident, the USS Shaw exploded, captured here forever in this historical photograph. Much of the heavenly tropical island’s sky was engulfed in thick, acrid smoke as a key naval base was devastated by a surprise attack by squadrons of Japanese bombers. This would be the incident that would spur America into joining World War II and the eventual Pacific campaigns that followed.

The Great Flood in France

The Great Flood In France

In what seems like a bizarre and elaborate prank, boats are seen rowing down a “street” in Paris, after the Great Flood of 1910 in France. Imagine that! The flood was caused when an exceptionally heavy period of rainfall caused the Seine River to swell alarmingly and eventually flood the capital city, turning it into a grizzly version of Venice. Despite over a billion dollars’ worth of damages (with modern inflation), not a single person died.

The Blitz of London

The Blitz Of London

This epic picture of a London woman sitting on a pile of rubble whilst drinking a cup of tea was taken in 1940 after a German raid, during the London Blitz. The photo would instantly be used as propaganda to further entrench the iconic British sentiment of ‘keep calm and carry on.’ Despite many big cities in London being reduced to blazing rubble, it seemed like nothing could diminish the stoic determination and cooperation of the English population.

A Young Abraham Lincoln

Taken in or about 1840, this is the earliest known photograph of Abraham Lincoln. This youthful and fresh-faced appearance (without the iconic facial hair) made for an incredible contrast to the wizened and epically grandfatherly look that Lincoln maintained when he was managing the American Civil War. As you can tell from this photograph, Lincoln was imposing in physical stature as well as political, being 6 ft 4 (which is very tall even by today’s standards) and incredibly built.

Stalin and his Children

Stalin And His Children

Perhaps showing that he had a softer side too, this photo taken in 1935 depicts Stalin and his son Vasily and daughter, Svetlana. If you happened to see this picture without knowing who Stalin was, you would never guess that he was one of history’s most destructive and murderous despots. Stalin’s regime of paranoia and persecution would lead to the deaths of untold tens of millions of his own people.

Avenging Injustice

Not many people know about this group of Jewish assassins who tracked down and killed Nazi officers after World War Two. They called themselves “The Avengers.” Does this story and image remind of you of a certain Quentin Tarantino film? It should, because the real life Avengers were a direct inspiration for his epic film, Inglorious Basterds. Understandably, there were some Holocaust survivors who could not simply forgive the Nazis for their genocidal atrocities.

Highwire artist Above Cologne

Highwire Artist Above Cologne

A photographer snapped this shot of a highwire artist making her way across the wire above the ruins of Heumarkt, Cologne in 1946. Can you believe her courage? It seemed like this person decided to bring some entertainment and inspiration to a population struggling with the complete devastation of their city. It is moments like these were some people, despite having endured the worst kind of terror, still manage to find exceptional bravery.

After Pearl Harbour

This picture was the scene after the Pearl Harbour Japanese attack on 7 December 1941. While it is difficult to imagine the true scale of devastation that the Japanese wrought on Pearl Harbor, images like this help to fill in the blanks. Oblivious and unprepared, this enormous naval base was caught completely off guard as hundreds of Japanese planes soared about laying waste to an entire fleet of enormous and indefensible navy ships, planes, and buildings.

Gandhi circa 1946

Gandhi Circa 1946

Seated on the floor next to a spinning wheel symbolic of India’s struggle for independence, Indian leader Gandhi contemplates his documents. Gandhi lived a life of exceptional ascetic commitment, entertaining the bare minimum of comforts and giving his entire life to his nationalist struggles for independence and unification. While Gandhi has become better understood as a symbol of nationalism that is less than ideal by today’s standards, he remains a founding father of sorts for India.

Grand Central Station, Back in the Day

Grand Central Station, Back In The Day

New York City’s Iconic Grand Central Station used to appear brighter as the sun could still stream in, back in 1929. That doesn’t happen anymore due to the enormous buildings surrounding it. But this beautiful picture (unedited) gives us a glimpse into what it looked like back then. We will never know just how heavenly the lighting of such iconic building was like today, given the enormous clutter experienced in today’s cities.

Louis Armstrong in Egypt

Louis Armstrong In Egypt

This is a legendary photo: the Giza Sphinx with Loius Armstrong playing the trumpet right at its feet and snapped by an Egyptian man. We love the juxtaposition of the icons, one of the ancient world, and the other of the modern one. We hope that the Sphinx enjoyed this performance, as did the pharoas in the nearby pyramids! Armstrong’s tour of Egypt was received with an incredible euphoria and warmth from its people.

The Moment Hitler Declared War on the US

The Moment Hitler Declared War On The US

With everyone in uniformed attendance, Hitler formally announces his declaration of war on the US in 1941, in this unedited historical photograph. This event occurred only days after Pearl Harbor, following America’s declaration of war on Japan. Hitler then rushed into his own declaration against the US, unprompted and without consulting his leadership. This then led to a series of catastrophic defeats for Hitler, where Germany found itself being herded out of Western Europe.

Russian Military Secret Base

The courageous photographer who took this picture at great personal risk gives us a peek into this secret Kazakhstan military base. It is forbidden for the public to go in there, so this 1988 picture is rare indeed. Given the notorious KGB’s treatment of even normal citizens, this stealthy person was putting their life on the line by breaking into this complex. Granted, it was abandoned, but Russian security certainly did not want anyone snooping around.

Mount Rushmore – Minus the Faces

Mount Rushmore Minus The Faces

This extremely rare 1929 photo was snapped just as construction work was beginning to turn it into the natural monument we all know today. You can see from the size and ruggedness of the mountain that this would be no easy task, that of carving out enormous and incredibly detailed likenesses of America’s great leaders. There is also plenty of woodland around the mountain itself that would need to be cleared out.

Walking on the Moon, 1969

Walking On The Moon, 1969

One of Neil Armstrong’s photos, this 1969 picture was one of the very first ever taken by a human being on the moon. This scene would become more fuel for conspiracy theorists who would believe that the moon landing had been stage. Plenty of people to this day believe that the moon landing was orchestrated in a shadowy Hollywood studio, where iconic director Stanley Kubrick directed the entire scene with actors and props.

The Statue Of Liberty Arrives in Pieces

The Statue Of Liberty Arrives In Pieces

The men in this picture are busy unpacking the various components of the Statue of Liberty when she first arrived from France. As you can see in the background, her giantic arm left arm is being assembled. The Statue of Liberty was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, and Gustave Eiffel provided the metal framework upon which it was put together on. She was modeled around the Roman goddess of liberty, Libertas.

Jackie Chan and the Hollywood Sign

Jackie Chan And The Hollywood Sign

This 1996 picture of Jackie Chan was taken as he was preparing to climb the Hollywood sign. Known for performing most of his stunts himself, this picture really embodies the spirit of the actor. Few martial artists and actors will ever possess the theatrical and abrocatic skill and pinache that Chan does. This impressive stunt signified the Chinese actor and martial artist’s conquering of Hollywood. Chan scaled the iconic sign with just some rope and his bare hands.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The assassination of the archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria sparked the hostilities that led to WW1, making him a legend in the process. While we know that this man’s death was central to the sparking of the First World War, being regarded as more of a symbol or event rather than a person, it is incredible to see his actual face! It is important to remember that he was an actual human being.

Indian Soldiers in Belgium

Indian Soldiers In Belgium

This interesting 1914 picture taken at Ypres in Belgium in 1914 depicts the Indian Corps participating in mask inspection. Belgium unveiled The Menin Gate in 1927 to commemorate the many Indian soldiers who gave their lives in its defense. It is considered to be the most important World War I memorial in Belgium and on it is writer over 400 Indian soldiers’ names who bravely fought and died during the Ypres Salient.

Football Team of Soldiers, 1916

Football Team Of Soldiers, 1916

This pic shows a group of British soldiers just before playing a match during WWI. The match took place somewhere in Northern France and they had to wear gas masks while they played. Incredibly, despite the ferocity of World War I’s Western Front, England still made time for football matches. While this would serve as a fun bit of recreation for the otherwise incredibly stressed soldiers, it was also a heated competition between the various military sectors.

Coal Mine Boys, 1911

Back in 1911 before labour laws were introduced in the USA, this picture was taken of young boys who spent their days working at a coal mine. While it is difficult to imagine staffing children even in retail or the service industry in today’s America, it was standard practice that children participate in some of the most dangerous and punishing jobs. We have come a long way in the last one hundred years!

Queenie, The Water-skiing Elephant

Queenie, The Water Skiing Elephant

This is Queenie, who rose to international fame in the 1950s for being the world’s first and only water-skiing elephant! This Thailand-born elephant was born in the wild during 1952 and was soon brought into New York during 1953. While this may seem like a cute and fun show, the reality was a terrifying and dangerous life for Queenie, who was once washed off her skis by the waves of a nearby towboat.

Malcolm X with Muhammad Ali

Malcolm X With Muhammad Ali

The famous pair have an animated conversation after Ali’s Miami win over Sonny Liston. The two met in 1962 and Malcom X would become a mentor and spiritual advisor to Ali, soon becoming the political activist’s ‘chief disciple.’ Malcolm X is known as the man that guided Muhammad Ali towards joining the Nation of Islam. This union would have negative consequences on Ali’s career when his iconic fight, the Ali-Liston bout, was nearly canceled.

Castro Having a Ball

Castro Having A Ball

Castro was just rising to fame in 1972 when this pic was snapped in Krakow, Poland on his first trip there. He looks like he’s enjoying this basketball game in this rare leisure photograph. Castro enjoyed basketball to the point where he made it a source of national Cuban pride, even going so far as to implementing the sport into his training of guerilla soldiers. In another life, he was an NBA star!

The Russian Tsar and Romanov Family, 1913

The Russian Tsar And Romanov Family, 1913

This is a family portrait of the ill-fated Romanov family. It depicts Tsar Nicholas II with his wife Alexandra and their daughters Olga, Tatjana, Marija and Anastasia, with son Alexej. The family would later be brutally massacred by a firing squad following the Bolsheviks during the communist Russian revolution on July 16 to 17, 1918. Then ended three centuries of the Romanov family’s dynasty and power in Russia in one horrifying act.

American Soldiers in WW2

American Soldiers In WW2

The Two American soldiers in this picture share a joke to keep their spirits up during WWII. The jolly attitudes of American G.I.s during World War II are iconic. To still be able to laugh and joke around with each other, despite facing nightmarish violence and destruction, is completely commendable. This picture was taken early in America’s arrival to Europe, not long after the Pearl Harbor incident. Sadly, these men were oblivious to the true scale and carnage of the impending battles ahead.

Castro and Che – Gone Fishing

Castro And Che Gone Fishing

Sharing some relaxation time together, here we can see Fidel Castro and Che Guevara fishing together in 1960. The two were incredible friends and comrades whose combined leadership was integral in the communist Cuban Revolution’s success. Sadly, the pair would later go their separate ways, with Castro organizing his former friend’s assassination. Castro would then have bigger problems on his hands than dealing with the guilt of having his best friend murdered.

Samurai – Japan

Samurai Japan

Taken in 1870 in Japan, this photograph shows a Japanese Samurai in traditional dress. This would be one of the last members of the proud warrior class, as Japan would begin its modernization in a few years and do away with its former antiquated soldiers and begin joining the industrialized world with more universally recognizable armed infantry. The Samurai spirit is still honored in Japan, however, guiding much of its philosophies and work ethics.

On Track for a Deathrow Prisoner

On Track For A Deathrow Prisoner

This unfortunate man was a death row prisoner being forced to test the safety of a roller-coaster in 1958. Criminals like this one deemed unfit for society or even life itself would often be used as guinea pigs and crash test dummies in endless safety tests like these. Deathrow inmates would often be used in the forced testing of vaccines and pharmaceutical drug trials, considered fair subjects for all manner of potential benefits to humanity.

Delivering Babies by Plane

Delivering Babies By Plane

A horrible side effect of the Vietnam war was the hundreds of babies that were orphaned. In a US government project called “Operation Babylift” in 1975, planes were sent to collect the orphans, who were then adopted in the US. Given the hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese adults that were massacred during this awful war, the US government felt responsible for the countless babies that were left parentless due to conflict.

Famous Space-going Chimpanzee

Famous Space Going Chimpanzee

Ham was a chimp who paved the way for human beings to go to space. He was the first primate to go to outer space and return safely. Animals were used by both the Soviets and Americans during the Cold War and Space Race to test whether their various galactic ambitions and missions were suitable for human astronauts. We cannot imagine the kind of terror that this chimpanzee experienced being launched into orbit in a tight and unnatural space.

Shrek Inspiration?

Shrek Inspiration

Born in Russia, this French professional wrestler had some really mean nicknames, like ‘Worlds Ugliest Man’ and the ‘French Angel’. His real name was Maurice Tillet. Incredibly, Tillet’s nickname of ‘The Angel’ was not originally ironic, as his face was beautiful to an angelic degree prior to developing a rare genetic condition called ecromegaly that caused his body and head to begin swelling extremely. He would alter become an incredibly successful professional wrestler.

The Many Faces of Hitler

The Many Faces Of Hitler

This photograph of Hitler was edited by the CIA to show the possible disguises that he could have employed in a possible escape from Germany. With the impending Allied victory over Germany, the CIA was greatly concerned that the man would try and fleehis responsibilities for the many terrible atrocities that he committed. Hitler would end up committing suicide in a cowardly act as Berlin fell all around him under Soviet artillery

Gaming in Days Gone By

Gaming In Days Gone By

In case you were thinking that gaming events were a modern thing, here’s a pic of the 1980 National Space Invaders Championship. It was attended by over 10,000 people from around the world and was a massive gathering of computer game fans. While eSports are considered a modern invention, gamers were organizing professional competitions between one another decades ago. Granted, the prizes were a modicum of what they would one day become.

Heartthrob, James Dean

James Dean at a gas station around the peak of his fame back in 1955. He was extremely popular with the ladies and it’s not hard to see why. Dean became incredibly passionate about professional racing in 1954, quickly proving himself as a winning racer. Sadly, the legendary actor and motor enthusiast would meet his end while racing to attend a motor sport event when he fatally crashed his 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder.

Is it real?

Is It Real

No one is 100% sure about this one…is this ray really that big? Even so, it’s hard not to stare. Taken by A.L. Khan in 1935, this would be hard to fake. We did some research, and the colossal Manta Devil Fish was indeed caught by one Captain A. L. Khan when his fishing boat’s anchor became snared by some enormous creature. After an hours’ long struggle, the leviathan was caught.

Booze Trouble

Prohibition sparked off a huge black market for alcohol. Here are some bootleggers who got caught smuggling booze into Detroit, Michigan. The banning of alcohol led to a phenomenal increase in crime, where infamous icons like Al Capone capitalized on the Prohibition by establishing illicit underground booze networks. The failure of the Prohibition and American’s dogged pursuit of booze even under the threat of imprisonment proved that you cannot stop people from enjoying their favorite recreations.

Brave or Crazy?

Brave Or Crazy

This epic picture of a nuclear explosion was taken by a photographer who was far too close to the actual blast for comfort. The blast itself only took 16 milliseconds to reach him. During the Cold War, thousands of British soldiers were used as guinea pigs to test the effects of nuclear radiation. As if Nagasake and Hiroshima were not proof enough. Tragically, many of these men died from horrifying cancers.

Sticking Out

What was supposed to be a momentous moment in American History turned out to be very difficult for the first individual to attend an all-white school in America? After the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court Ruling, Dorothy Counts was the first African American to attend an all-white school. The court had ruled that segregation in all public facilities was illegal, but Dorothy was bullied and tormented to such an extreme, that she only lasted 4 days at the school.

Plastic Surgery, Bank in the Day

Plastic Surgery, Bank In The Day

We take modern-day plastic surgery for granted, but it wasn’t always this easy. Here is Walter Yeo, who suffered disfiguring battle-wounds in WWI and had some work done. While this cosmetic surgery was primitive, you can clearly see that Yeo greatly appreciated it, and he objectively looked far less terrifying with this strange mask-like operation. Operations like these would form the foundations for the seamless procedures that people enjoy today.

Albert Einstein with his Mini-me

Albert Einstein With His Mini Me

The puppet of Albert Einstein purportedly belonged to a travelling group of performers who were touring across the US for many years and this photo was taken in 1930. They were said to feature marionette puppets in their performances. Don’t you think Einstein looks quite pleased with his mini-me? We would love to have been treated to the show, and wonder what the jokes were about. Probably some cheeky but harmless satirizing of the brainy scientist and mathematician.

The 3,000 Pairs of Hands that Built the Chase Building

The 3,000 Pairs Of Hands That Built The Chase Building

In 1964, after the Manhattan Company merged with Chase, this 810 feet tall building in New York City was built to house the newly merged business. Not yet fitted with windows, the building was photographed together with the 3000 people who built it. We’re glad there were no accidents, as nothing was stopping the people from falling out at the time! Not that they would need much help, given their famously acrobatic balance.

Old-school Shoemaking in the 19th Century

Old School Shoemaking In The 19th Century

Up until the end of the 19th Century, shoes were always made by hand from start to finish. The hand-made shoes were mostly made from leather, wood, plant-based materials and were made one by one. Later on by the turn of the century, most processes had been somewhat automated. While much of our footwear today is made in factories, quality sneakers and designer and luxury shoes are still made by hand.

Just a Normal Trip to School

Just A Normal Trip To School

The Moderna river in Italy had to be crossed by these children every day in 1959 in order to get to school in the morning. Our grandparents always boast about the difficult tasks that had to complete to get anywhere back in the day, but we seriously doubt it was as rough as these kids had it! Next time that you watch your children hop onto the schoolbus, think of these brave little souls shimmying alovng the Moderna river.

Lemonade Entrepreneur in Berlin, 1931

Lemonade Entrepreneur In Berlin, 1931

With a business mindset, this young boy was ready to take on the world! It seems a very advanced set -up for the 1930s as even today’s kids just operate with a simple table and pitcher set up. Little over a decade later, boys this age would be consricpted into the Wehrmacht to fight against the Allies as they burrowed their way into Germany. This desperation was brought on by Hitler’s atrocious refusal to surrender, throwing the old and the young alike into the fray.

Before she was Marilyn Monroe

Before She Was Marilyn Monroe

Norma Jean was a shy girl with a slight stutter which came out when she was nervous. It never went away completely. It was said she had a hard time communicating with people. She was apparently just a normal girl before she became famous and became the iconic Marilyn Monroe. Which is your preferred version of Marilyn? The sweet girl-next-door or the fabulous starlet? Either way, she was flawlessly beautiful in both incarnation.

Madonna, Pre-fame

Madonna, Pre Fame

Growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, Madonna was just the girl next door until she became an international star. She was an excellent student, achieving high scores and entered the University of Michigan on a dance scholarship. She ended up dropping out and moving to New York to pursue her dreams. This is one of the few figures on our list to be old enough today to make into our historical review!

Robin Williams gets Hitched

Robin Williams Gets Hitched

Valeri Velardi and Robin Williams got married in 1978. It was his first marriage and during the relationship, he began getting famous and became a well-known actor. When they first met in 1976, Robin was just a struggling unknown actor. They were married for 10 years before she filed for divorce, ending his first marriage. While the couple would eventually go their separate ways, Valeri was incredibly supportive of Williams as he strove to make a name for himself.

Dog-fan, Mark Twain

Dog Fan, Mark Twain

Mark Twain, who also went by the name Samuel Clemens was said to adore dogs. He kept three of them himself, called I Know, You Know, and Don’t Know and dogs were a big inspiration throughout his successful and iconic life. Before he died, he wrote about going to Heaven saying “Heaven goes by favour. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.”

The Construction of the Twin Towers

The Construction Of The Twin Towers

The Port Authority forked out more than $900 million, after first beginning construction in 1966. The North Tower was finished first and started accepting tenants in 1970 and the South Tower, in 1972. By 1979 both buildings were sold out. Although the building attracted a lot of controversy at first as it took down other well-loved buildings in the process of building it, today they firmly hold their place in New York’s mottled history.

A Very Modern Bicycle

Benjamin Bowden is credited with creating this prototype in 1946, which went on to evolve into the modern bicycle. The prototype was, in fact, ready in 1946, but production only began in 1960 and only 522 bicycles were produced. One of these would set you back $89.50 (in 1960 value). If you really wanted one of these vintage originals nowadays, they easily sell for $15,000! The bicycle is still futurist-looking by today’s standards.

JFK with his Daughter

JFK With His Daughter

Caroline Kennedy was just 3 years old when her father became President and she was almost 6 when he was assassinated. The next year, his widow Jackie moved into a penthouse on the Upper East Side of Manhattan with her two children. This beautiful domestic scene showed a more human side to the now legendary president. While growing up without a father must have been difficult, Caroline still lived in extravagant wealth.

The Last Titanic Supper

This eerie menu from the Titanic outlines the last meal of the passengers on board the Titanic on the night it sank. It was shortly after this deliciously hearty dinner when the Titanic sank, taking down with it the frightened passengers with their last meal of roast beef, boiled potatoes, rice, plum pudding and stewed figs. Unfortunately, most of the passengers drowned or froze to death in the icy waters.

Nuclear Drills in American Schools

Nuclear Drills In American Schools

During the Cold War, when there was the ongoing threat of a nuclear attack, American schoolkids would undergo drills to duck and cover in case of a nuclear bomb. It’s kind of terrifying that they thought this would offer the children protection in this scenario, but here they are in 1951, ducking and covering. Thankfully, these maneuvers would only ever be precautions, and hopefully they will remain so for all eternity.

Harley and Davidson – the Motorized Bicycle

Harley And Davidson The Motorized Bicycle

Best friends from childhood, Arthur Davidson and William Harley had a dream to create a motorized bike without pedals. They designed their motorbike in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where they grew up. Just as the Wright brothers showed us the possibility of air travel, these guys gave us bikes. While Harley Davidsons are associated with mid-life crises among aging men, they are objectively top-class and luxurious vehicles that everyone should enjoy a chance of riding at least once in their lives.

Princess Diana and Mother Teresa

Princess Diana And Mother Teresa

This moment is the last time the two great world icons saw each other, as they passed away within days of one another. Both women had dedicated their lives to making the world a kinder place and had met a few times before this picture was taken at their very last meeting. However, Mother Teresa was not exactly the angel that we once thought she was, having committed various shady acts like converting those she cared for without their consent.

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, And Carl Perkins

Imagine the spontaneous jamming that happened in this set. The music of these four must have been amazing. They say the group was quite tight and we bet they enjoyed this time together, with all these amazing talents altogether in one place and time. What a picture! And what beautiful music the four viruosos must have produced during their short meeting. This should have been a once in a lifetime concert!

The Empire State Building’s Construction Workers

You have to be sure-footed to pull this off! This steelworker is taking a break to pose for the camera on a construction beam of what is now known as the Empire State Building back in 1930. The photographer was also very brave, as he dangled in a specially designed basket that swung 1000 feet over Fifth Avenue, just to take these photographs. We continue to be amazed by the courage and stoism of construction workers to this day.

Hard times, No Money

Hard Times, No Money

October 1929 saw the stock market crash that would spiral millions of Americans into the hardest times of their lives. Jobs were so scarce, that you were really considered lucky to have one. Unemployment was rife amongst all trades from investors to farmers and the economy only really recovered after WWII. While we have suffered our fair share of recessions in modern times, let us hope that we never have to face the despair of The Great Depression.

The Peanut Behind the Voice

The Peanut Behind The Voice

Charlie Shultz, the creator of comic Peanuts, felt quite strongly that the animated show should have the voices of real kids. The kids were all about the same ages as the characters they portrayed. Cathy Steinberg, the voice of Sally Brown, took on the role when she was just four. The Peantus franchise continues to be enormously successful today among children and adults alike, with many talented young voice actors continuing the legacy of these little thespians.

Social Obama

Obama Friends

Becoming a world leader takes a few years to grow into we guess. However, it’s not hard to recognize the young person in this pic. Former President of the USA, Barack Obama is seen here looking cool in his shades while hanging out with his mates. We wonder whether he had such lofty political ambitions back then? He seems rather pensive in this picture, so maybe he is fantasizing about presidential glory.

Bill and Hillary, Back in the Day

Young Bill Hillary

Bill and Hillary Clinton haven’t had an easy ride together and have certainly navigated rough waters together. From the Monica Lewinsky saga to Hilary’s epic presidential election failure, it incredible that they’re still together today after all these long and intense years. They met in 1970 at Yale where they both attended as students. They apparently met in the library there and it didn’t take long for them to start dating.

Tattooed Girl

The story goes that two European girls were kidnapped by a Native American tribe and gifted to the chief. He raised the girls as his own. While some of the captives refused to engage in any kind of cooperative behavior, some integrated and became successfully aculturized. One of the girls grew up and stayed for many years with the tribe; receiving the tattoo as part of her rites of passage.