25 Interesting and Unexpected Photos From Across Modern History
Every now and then, I stumble across a photo that makes me pause and think, "Wow, I had no idea!" There's something special about finding those snapshots from history that capture moments you'd never expect. It's like peeking into a time capsule, revealing little glimpses of the world that feel almost surreal—moments that are too curious, too rare, or too cool to fit neatly into any history book.
In this listicle, we've gathered 25 of the most interesting and unexpected photos from across modern history, each with its own unique story. From the first selfie ever taken in space to the eerie sight of Niagara Falls without a drop of water, these images have a way of sparking your imagination. You'll see famous faces like U.S. presidents on their wedding days, and jaw-dropping scenes like the Statue of Liberty under construction. It's a fascinating trip through time that might just leave you in awe.
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1
7-11 in 1973
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2
Lady Liberty's arm
The Statue of Liberty under construction in the workshop of French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, Paris, 1882.
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3
Not the Hindenburg
A blimp destroyed by the shockwave of a nuclear blast, Nevada, 1957.
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4
When Harry met Pablo
President Harry Truman shakes hands with Pablo Picasso, Vallauris, France, 1958.
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5
No climbing please
Tourists and their guides clambering up the rock slabs of a pyramid, Egypt, circa late 1800s.
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6
London Pub, 1967
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7
Under Constraction
Building of the Atomium in Brussels for the World's Fair of 1958. Photograph by Dolf Kruger.
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8
Niagara falls without water, 1969.
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9
Good boy
Abraham Lincoln's beloved mutt Fido, the first Presidential dog to be photographed, 1861.
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10
Splash!
Princess Diana and Prince Harry at an amusement park,1992. Photograph by Julian Parker.
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11
Johnny Cash shaking an inmate's hand at Folsom Prison, 1968.
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12
"What happened here?"
A view from City Hall Tower of the ruins of Dresden after three days and nights of Allied bombings, 1945.
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13
It's Christmas!
Mailman N. Sorenson poses with his heavy load of Christmas mail and parcels, Chicago, 1929.
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14
Space Selfie
Buzz Aldrin in the first ever space selfie during an EVA on the Gemini 12 mission, 1966.
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15
Campers at Woodstock, 1969.
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16
White house Swimming pool
Beneath the White House Briefing Room when it was a swimming pool, 1946.
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17
The girl on the left looks very annoyed
Last four couples in a dance marathon, Chicago, circa 1930.
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18
Future presidents on their wedding days.
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19
The dressing room at the Moulin Rouge, 1924.
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20
Before it was cool
Former United States Secretary of State, Colin Powell was "doing selfies 60 years before you Facebook folks."
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21
On duty
Police officer John Shuttleworth waist-high in flood waters, Cambridge Ontario, 1974. Photograph by Mike Hanley.
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22
Strong dudes
Japanese wrestlers perform an acrobatic feat with fans, circa 1890. A Stillfried & Andersen photograph.
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23
This guy was living in the future
Eighteen year old inventor, H. Day wearing headphones attached to a wireless under his top hat, 1922.
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24
Neil deGrasse Tyson in graduate school, 1980s.
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25
Only thing in common is the mustache
Walt Disney and Salvador Dali on a boat, Spain, 1957. Photograph from the Walt Disney Family Foundation Collection.
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