In this modern age, we take pictures of ourselves, our meals, and anything else that we want, when we want, and as many pictures as we feel like. Most of us have hundreds of pictures on our phones, and we add more everyday. It is easy and free to snap a moment in time now. But for most of Missouri's history, taking pictures was a laborious and expensive act. Pictures were only taken during serious events or to mark a special time (if you could afford such luxury). For example, these old photos of St. Louis in the 1800s and early 1900s offer a glimpse into our city's history.
1. South Broadway, May 27, 1896. The aftermath of a tornado that destroyed many buildings and homes.
2. Jefferson and Allen Avenue are completely leveled by the tornado. May 27, 1896
3. Park Avenue, May 27,1896. A women walks through the rubble of a destroyed home.
4. St. Louis, 1851. Daguerreotype of Thomas Martin Easterly's store.
5. The Mercantile Library Hall, 1870. 510 Locust Street. It is now a banking center.
6. North 4th and Chestnut Street, 1872.
7. St. Louis, 1885. Drummond Tobacco Company Building.
8. The Beers Hotel, exact date unknown: 1890 - 1919. Grand Avenue and Olive Street.
9. The Eads Bridge construction, circa 1874.
10. St. Louis, 1849.
This is the oldest picture of St. Louis in this collection, and it shows the city in ruins after a fire swept through the city. The fire started on a steamboat on the river, and jumped to 22 other boats, the fire continued to spread onto buildings on the waterfront.
With these old photos of St. Louis, we have an idea of what life was like for its citizens in the 1800s. And life was tough back then - it really makes us think about our Missouri roots. What will history see in our photos, 100 years into the future?
Do you recognize the places in the photos or have images to share? You can upload them to the comments section of our Only In St. Louis Facebook page.
Want to see more history in pictures? Check out the 1904 Olympic Games in Missouri.
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