50 Vintage Postcards That Show How Every U.S. State Looked Decades Ago
Step into a time machine and travel back through decades as we explore the United States through the lens of vintage postcards. Each postcard tells a captivating story of its state, offering a charming glimpse into the past.
These postcards not only serve as snapshots of history but also as art pieces that capture the essence of an era long gone. From bustling cities to tranquil landscapes, discover how every state in the U.S. has evolved over time through these wonderful postcard views.
1. Alabama
A postcard from the 1920s captures the street of Birmingham, Alabama.
2. Alaska
A 1940s postcard showcases the snow-covered wilderness of Alaska.
3. Arizona
The Grand Canyon in the 1930s is beautifully depicted in a postcard showing tourists in period attire marveling at the breathtaking views.
4. Arkansas
A 1910s postcard captures the rural charm of Arkansas.
5. California
A 1920s Hollywood postcard highlights classic cars cruising down Hollywood Boulevard, with early movie theaters glowing under vintage marquees.
6. Colorado
A 1910s postcard showcases a steam train winding through the Rocky Mountains, with snow-capped peaks towering in the background.
7. Connecticut
A 1900s postcard captures Connecticut’s coastal charm.
8. Delaware
A 1930s postcard presents Wilmington’s bustling street markets, where people in vintage attire browse local shops and fresh produce stalls.
9. Florida
A 1950s Florida postcard shows families enjoying a sunny beach day, complete with striped umbrellas and classic boardwalks.
10. Georgia
A 1940s postcard of Greenwood plantations in Georgia.
11. Hawaii
A 1930s postcard captures a beautiful beach from Hawaiian Islands.
12. Idaho
A 1920s postcard showcases Idaho’s tranquil mountain lakes.
13. Illinois
A 1910s postcard from Chicago, Illinois.
14. Indiana
A 1920s postcard highlights Indiana’s Bridgeton bridge.
15. Iowa
A 1910s postcard captures Iowa’s farm life.
16. Kansas
A 1920s postcard showcases small-town life in Kansas, with classic storefronts and vintage cars lining the peaceful main street.
17. Kentucky
A 1930s postcard from Churchill Downs captures the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, with elegantly dressed spectators cheering on the race.
18. Louisiana
A 1940s postcard brings New Orleans to life.
19. Maine
A 1900s postcard captures Maine’s rugged coastline, featuring a lighthouse standing on the other side.
20. Maryland
A 1920s postcard showcases Maryland’s historic harbor, where tall ships sail past brick-lined waterfront buildings.
21. Massachusetts
A 1910s postcard of the University in Massachusetts.
22. Michigan
A classic 1940s Detroit postcard.
23. Minnesota
A 1920s postcard that captures the scene on Lake of the Woods near Baudette, Minnesota.
24. Mississippi
A 1930s postcard captures paddlewheel steamboats gliding down the Mississippi River, showcasing the golden era of river travel.
25. Missouri
A 1940s postcard from St. Louis, Missouri.
26. Montana
A 1910s postcard captures cowboys riding through Montana’s vast prairies.
27. Nebraska
A 1920s postcard from the rural part of Nebraska.
28. Nevada
A 1940s Las Vegas postcard showcases bright neon lights illuminating the famous casinos, creating an electric night scene.
29. New Hampshire
A 1900s postcard from New Hamshire.
30. New Jersey
A 1920s postcard captures New Jersey’s lively boardwalks, filled with amusement rides and sunbathing beachgoers.
31. New Mexico
A 1930s postcard from New Mexico.
32. New York
A 1910s Times Square postcard features bustling crowds and early automobiles, capturing the energy of a city that never sleeps.
33. North Carolina
A 1940s postcard highlights the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
34. North Dakota
A 1920s postcard features the wheat threshing in North Dakota.
35. Ohio
A 1930s postcard showcases Ohio’s city park.
36. Oklahoma
A 1940s postcard captures Oklahoma’s cowboy culture.
37. Oregon
A 1900s postcard showcases Oregon’s dense forests.
38. Pennsylvania
A 1910s postcard captures Pennsylvania’s historic steel mills.
39. Rhode Island
A 1920s postcard of Newport beach from board walk.
40. South Carolina
A 1930s postcard features Charleston’s elegant plantations, lined with blooming magnolias.
41. South Dakota
A 1920s postcard captures Mount Rushmore’s construction.
42. Tennessee
A 1930s Nashville postcard.
43. Texas
A 1940s postcard captures Texas’ oil boom, with towering derricks stretching across the horizon.
44. Utah
A 1910s postcard showcases Utah’s stunning red rock formations, glowing under the desert sun.
45. Vermont
A 1920s postcard captures Vermont under the snow.
46. Virginia
A 1930s postcard from Virginia.
47. Washington
A 1900s postcard features Mount Rainier’s breathtaking peak, standing majestically above wildflower meadows.
48. West Virginia
A 1910s postcard captures coal miners hard at work, reflecting West Virginia’s industrial heritage.
49. Wisconsin
A 1920s postcard showcases Wisconsin’s pastoral dairy farms, with cows grazing peacefully in open fields.
50. Wyoming
A 1910s postcard features Yellowstone’s erupting geysers, capturing the raw beauty of America’s first national park.