Welcome to the 1800s

Most recent posts

Lizzie Borden & the infamous axe murders: Original news stories, plus follow-ups from decades later

Floral gifts New Year's flower meanings (1897)

Old-fashioned New Year’s flower meanings (1897)

Civil war dresses - Colored fashion plates from 1862 (2)

Civil War-era dresses for women (1861-1867)

Why it’s important to rediscover the real joy of Christmas giving (1886)

The Civil War: President Abraham Lincoln’s call to arms (1861)

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Food & recipes

Holidays & seasons

Homes & gardens

Fashion & beauty

Music & entertainment

Look back to the 1800s & Victorian era

Death of an outlaw: First account of Jesse James’ murder (1882)

See NYC’s stunning historical Fifth Avenue mansions (1890s)

The unlikely history of Levi’s jeans – or, how clothing styles from 150 years ago are somehow still fashionable today

Take a trip back to New York’s original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel & see inside this famously luxurious old hotel

Old Florida hotels & historic resorts: Trip back to these amazing Victorian vacation destinations

Not just peanuts: Why George Washington Carver is considered one of history’s most important scientists

See more old stuff from the 1800s that's new here!

How people used washboards, wringers & other old-fashioned laundry equipment years ago

How to use washboards, wringers, manglers & other old-fashioned laundry equipment (1921) From The Cuba Daylight (Cuba, Kansas) April 22, 1921 Good equipment in the

See old Lake Tahoe: How the Sierra vacation destination looked a long time ago

Here, take a look back at old Lake Tahoe - the big, beautiful lake that has been a popular vacation spot for generations.

Tips to identify antique silver: Vintage visual guides

These vintage tips to identify antique silver come from the 1940s - and include diagrams, descriptions and photos of lots of vintage silverwork.

See inside old school classrooms from more than 100 years ago

Look years back at teachers, students and old school classrooms from more than a century ago, and see what education was like back then.

See what antique school supplies & educational materials were like in the olden days

Look back at what antique school supplies looked like back in the 1800s, along with popular teaching materials from the Victorian era!

Juneteenth: What it means, and why it’s still celebrated

Juneteenth is a celebration of Black freedom. The celebration fell out of favor for decades, and has made a couple of comebacks. Find out more here!

Why there are Gold Rush-era ships still buried under downtown San Francisco

Even today, there are ships buried under downtown San Francisco that you might walk over, on land reclaimed from the Bay thanks to the Gold Rush.

Not just peanuts: Why George Washington Carver is considered one of history’s most important scientists

The insights and inventions of Dr George Washington Carver - which he gave freely to the world - revolutionized the South, and helped millions out of poverty.

Find out about old-fashioned mansard roof homes & Second Empire-style houses

What is a mansard roof home - or a Second Empire-style house? Find out here, and take a look at more than 20 beautiful examples!

America’s history of slavery: See some of the terrible old ads actually offering people for sale

While books and articles on America's slave trade can offer important historical insight, seeing the ads placed in the newspapers of the era really brings the brutality home.