There’s something about a quiet look back in time that gives us a little bite of nostalgia. These 15 historic photographs were all taken in Tennessee, across the state and in the early 20th century. It’s a strange thing – to see the beauty of the past, so perfectly reflective of our present. Where did all of these young ones go, what lives did they lead? Check out what once was, and it may just make you think a bit deeper about where we are.

15. A quiet moment in Newport, Tennessee.
Yale Programmar
This photograph was taken in 1936.
14. Such a sweet little face!
Yale Programmar
This photograph was taken in March, 1936, just outside of Lexington.
13. Waitin'.
Yale Programmar
This photo is from 1936 Pikeville.
12. Not the way they make 'em anymore...
Yale Programmar
A shot from Chattanooga depicts an old rail fence.
11. A still from the Natchez project.
Yale Programmar
As you can see, the teams are working on erosion control near Lexington.
10. Can you guess where this sign is?
Yale Programmar
In Crossville, Tennessee, circa the mid-1930s.
9. Headed to Florida!
Yale Programmar
This family of migrant fruit workers make their way from Tennessee to the sunshine state in the heart of the Great Depression.

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8. Splitting shingles in the Wilson Cedar Forest.
Yale Programmar
This photo was taken in Lebanon, Tennessee.
7. This is one of the earliest photos of a Fall Creek Falls inhabitant.
Yale Programmar
Taken circa 1939 in Eastern Tennessee.
6. Alvin York at General Jackson's tomb.
Tennessee Historic Archives
Or, as we know him - former President Jackson.
5. Another little one, headed to Florida.
Yale Programmar
You have to follow the work - the work of your parents, of course.
4. A quiet moment with a tiny Tennessean.
Yale Programmar
These little snaps of time are almost eerie - where are they now, you may wonder?
3. Maynardville, Tennessee - 1935.
Yale Programmar
Does it look familiar to y'all?
2. A somber moment during the Memphis flood.
Yale Programmar
February, 1937.
1. A quick snap back in time to Camden...
Yale Programmar
...in 1935.

These really are fascinating looks into the past, aren’t they? We love looking back into our state’s history.

For a thoroughly modern piece of Tennessee life, take a look at this advice for dating someone from Nashville.

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