33 photos of historical figures when they were young

Last updated on April 10th, 2024 at 03:51 am

History buffs and photography enthusiasts will enjoy these rare vintage photos of historical figures.

Many are often portrayed as stoic, severe adults, but these photos show them as young people full of life and potential.

From Abraham Lincoln to Amelia Earhart, these pictures offer a unique glimpse into the lives of some of the most influential people in history. So sit back and enjoy these fascinating photos!

A 15-year-old Teddy Roosevelt sporting some already impressive chops.

A young Joseph Stalin in his early 20s, 1902.

Vincent van Gogh at the age of 19, 1873.

Bill Clinton shakes hands with John F. Kennedy, 1963.

Subscribe to the History Defined newsletter!

Get updates on the latest posts and more from History Defined straight to your inbox.Subscribe

I agree to my personal data being used for interest-based advertising as outlined in the Privacy Notice

Early photo of a young Abraham Lincoln, c. 1840.

Sir Winston Churchill in a military uniform at 21 years old, 1895. The photo was hand-tinted.

Fidel Castro reading at his mountain base, 1957.

Teenage Sigmund Freud with mother, 1872.

Frederick Douglass between the age of 28 and 32.

A 29-year-old Ronald Reagan posing for an art class in 1940.

Subscribe to the History Defined newsletter!

Get updates on the latest posts and more from History Defined straight to your inbox.Subscribe

I agree to my personal data being used for interest-based advertising as outlined in the Privacy Notice

George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush in 1947.

Dwight Eisenhower at the age of 21-22 in 1912.

Young Vladimir Lenin (left) when he was 3.

Future pioneer of flight Amelia Earhart when she was 4, 1901.

Subscribe to the History Defined newsletter!

Get updates on the latest posts and more from History Defined straight to your inbox.Subscribe

I agree to my personal data being used for interest-based advertising as outlined in the Privacy Notice

22-year-old Hillary Rodham Clinton, 1969.

Subscribe to the History Defined newsletter!

Get updates on the latest posts and more from History Defined straight to your inbox.Subscribe

I agree to my personal data being used for interest-based advertising as outlined in the Privacy Notice

Seeing these photos of historical figures as young people can give us a new perspective on their lives and how they came to be who they are. It is amazing to see the similarities and differences between these famous people when they were just starting out on their journeys.

What do you think? Were any of your favorite historical figures in this gallery?

If you enjoyed this post, take a look at some of our other photo collections:

Photos of the construction of the Empire State Building

50 must-see photos from historyPost navigation

← Previous Post