In Nebraska's earliest days, the only means of documenting daily life were with the written word. As cameras grew in popularity and became more available, photographers made their way across the prairie to document life in Nebraska and other rural states. While we can't say for sure that these historic Nebraska photos are the oldest, we do know that they're among the first photos ever taken here and preserved for generations to come. So, step back in time and Cornhusker State history as you enjoy these old photos of Nebraska.
1. A group of five men poses at a trading post, probably at Scotts Bluff, in 1851 or 1852.
2. The Scotts Bluff National Monument of today looked a lot less developed when this photo was taken in 1899.
3. Sylvester Rawding and his family ate lunch outside on the day in 1886 that photographer Solomon Butcher came around to photograph them.
This is one of the most well known photos from the Solomon Butcher collection. One of the reasons is Rawding's history as a Union Army Civil War veteran; he was shot in the face over his right eye by a musket ball which was never removed.
4. This photo from 1884 or 1885 is a beautiful example of an early Nebraska homestead in Custer County. Note the windmill on the roof.
5. Unfortunately, not much information accompanies most of these vintage photos. It would be interesting to know the story behind these four women, one man, and one small child in Custer County, taken in 1887.
6. A group of men and two small children pose for a photo in front of Holland & McDonald Hardware Store in Broken Bow in 1886.
7. This thatched roofed sod house in Custer County housed this family of seven in 1886.
8. A proud family in Lewtenson, Custer County, shows off their sod house, healthy sheep, and fine horses in 1887.
9. This rural scene from 1886 in Custer County is so captivating - the animals and their owners are arranged in such a peculiar way on their farm.
10. A Helms County family with their sod house, windmill, and wagons in 1887.
11. Union Pacific directors pose for a picture at the 100th meridian in 1886.
The sign you see was erected by the photographer. The photo op was meant to celebrate the swift westward progress of Union Pacific's tracks.
12. The Frederic Schreyer house in Custer County is depicted here in the late 1880s. This unique two-story home has a sod base and a wooden upper level.
13. This brave family made their way west in a covered wagon in 1866. They look weary, but one can only imagine the hope in their hearts for the prosperous life in their future.
Many of Nebraska's oldest photographs were captured in and around Custer County by Solomon D. Butcher. We're so grateful that he and other photographers were able to capture little moments in the homesteading era in Nebraska, because these old photos of Nebraska remind us of how hard our ancestors had to struggle to tame the then-wild Nebraska and instill a sense of pride in our Cornhusker roots.
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