17 Vintage Photos Of The 1860s

Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Matt Staff

The 1860s were a decade defined by conflict, transformation, and resilience in American history. From the grim realities of the Civil War to the daily lives of people navigating a rapidly changing world, photography began to document life in vivid and enduring ways. These vintage photos offer a powerful glimpse into a time of uncertainty and upheaval, capturing soldiers, families, and communities in moments both ordinary and extraordinary. Step back into the 1860s and explore the faces, places, and moments that helped shape a nation.

1. A nice and happy couple in the 1860s

A bearded man and a woman sit close together on ornate chairs, holding hands and smiling at each other. The setting is indoors with Victorian-style furniture, and shoes are on the floor in front of them. — quadsdayeveryday

2. This baby looks utterly joyous back in the 1860s

A vintage photograph of a woman in a patterned dress holding a smiling baby, both seated and framed in an ornate gold oval frame. The image has an old, faded appearance. — katyaromico

3. Legend goes that this is the oldest known picture of Wall Street out there

Sepia-toned photo of a 19th-century city street with horse-drawn streetcars, pedestrians, and tall brick buildings, one labeled "Ship Painting." A church steeple is visible in the background. — deleted

4. A stunning portrait tracing back to the 1860s

A young woman in a striped dress with a lace collar and earrings poses for a vintage black-and-white portrait, looking calmly at the camera with her hands clasped in front of her. — oldsoul8789

5. A marriage proposal at a party

A man kneels and kisses the hand of a seated woman in a lavish 19th-century room, while elegantly dressed people converse in the background. Ornate wallpaper and a piano add to the luxurious setting. — impossibletiger377

6. Sister of the photographer and others posing out in Norway in the 1860s

A vintage black-and-white photo shows four women and one man in formal 19th-century attire sitting outdoors on grass, with a young child in front. The group appears to be posing for a portrait. — iamaquantummechanci

7. A young soldier strikes a pose back in the 1860s

Sepia-toned portrait of a young person wearing a Civil War-era military uniform and cap, standing and facing the camera with a neutral expression. — gallery183

8. A percussionist getting after it in Sweden in the 1860s

A man in formal 19th-century clothing stands playing two large timpani drums with mallets, striking one drum while looking upward with a focused expression. — eam24678

9. Legend goes that this girl had quite a hard time sitting still in Sweden in the 1860s

A vintage black-and-white photo shows a young girl in a long dress and boots sitting sideways on a chair; in one frame she sits upright, in the other she leans her head and smiles, both against a plain backdrop. — eam246

10. Looks to be a quiet day out there

Four people—a man, a boy, a woman, and a small child—stand in front of a rustic, stone house with a wooden porch. The scene appears old, possibly early 20th century, and is in black and white. — anonymous

11. Well, they certainly nailed the very serious expressions bit

Three young women in checkered dresses pose for a vintage, sepia-toned photograph. Two stand, one holding a cup and saucer, while the third sits in front, holding a book or letter, all with serious expressions. — anonymous

12. A lovely looking family from the 1860s having their moment

A sepia-toned vintage photograph of a family of six, with two adults seated in front and four children, two boys and two girls, standing and sitting around them. All are dressed in formal 19th-century clothing. — delete

13. A grandmother looking like an absolute legend back in the 1860s

An elderly woman with glasses and a white bonnet sits on a chair, wearing a dark shawl and holding knitting needles. She looks at the camera with a slight smile in an old-fashioned, sepia-toned photograph. — anonymous

14. This lad’s got some stunning eyes

A sepia-toned old photograph of a young man with neatly combed dark hair, wearing a suit, vest, bow tie, and white shirt, sitting formally and staring directly at the camera. The image has visible wear and age marks. — deleted

15. A young and in love couple back in the 1860s

A black-and-white vintage photograph of a woman and a man facing each other closely. The woman is seated, looking down, while the man, leaning forward, gazes up at her. Both wear formal Victorian-era clothing. — anonymous

16. The Forum Romanum, Rome in 1860

Two oxen rest on the ground beside a wooden cart amid ancient Roman ruins, including standing columns, with historic buildings visible in the background. The scene appears calm and historic. — theantiinfluencer75

17. This kid seems to be having a tough go of it

A barefoot child in tattered clothes sits on wooden steps with their head resting on folded arms, knees drawn close, and their face hidden, suggesting sadness or exhaustion. — anonymous

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The 1860s was a decade defined by upheaval and resilience, and these vintage photos offer a hauntingly real glimpse into that turbulent time. If you’re fascinated by life in early America, don’t miss 20 Vintage Photos of the 1870s for a look at the decade that followed. For more Civil War-era visuals, check out 20 Colorized Photos From the Civil War That Bring it to Life.