Edison kinetoscopic record of a sneeze, January 7, 1894 /
"Considered to be the first motion picture given legal status by copyright acceptance. The forty-five frames it contains were sent in for copyright as a still picture. The action consists of a man, Fred Ott, sn... More
Admiral cigarette / motion picture
In front of a large backdrop with the words "Admiral Cigarette" are four people in costume: Uncle Sam, a clergyman, an Indian, and a businessman. To their left is a very large Admiral Cigarette box, that breaks... More
Dance Bowery waltz / motion picture - Public domain musical sheets
"Shows James T. Kelly and Dorothy Kent, of Waite's Comedy Company, in the famous Bowery dance. The dancers are dressed in costumes characteristic to the surroundings, and the dance as shown is an exact reproduc... More
Giant coal dumper / motion picture
"Erie Railroad Series: The following subjects present novel and interesting views along the line of the Erie, such as do not always come within the observation of the general tourist. We are indebted to the cou... More
Fishing smacks / motion picture
Taken at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, Cal., with a large fleet of fishing boats at anchor. From a single camera position, several small fishing vessels can be seen tied to the Wharf. Several men unload fis... More
Sutro Baths / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress collec...
"Another view in which the figures show larger. A springboard furnishes the bathers with much amusement; also a toboggan slide. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. "A large indoor swimming pool is shown, as well as... More
Waterfall in the Catskills /. 19th century, Library of Congress collec...
"Beautiful water effects at Haines' Falls, a most picturesque and charming mountain cataract. The wild and rugged surroundings are very impressive. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 43413 U.S. Copyright Office Co... More
S.S. "Coptic" in the harbor /. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...
From F.Z. Maguire catalogue: Shows the vessel away from the dock and slowly turning. The vessel is seen to good advantage, the four masts, smokestack and hull being faithfully reproduced. Clouds of smoke pour o... More
Cattle driven to slaughter /. 19th century, Library of Congress collec...
"A herd of long-horn cattle being driven through the Chicago stock yard gates to the slaughter house, where 280 of the animals are killed every hour of the day"--Maguire & Baucus catalogue. Part of the Erie Rai... More
Loading baggage for Klondike, no. 6 /
"This was the first ship sailing for the Klondike from Seattle during the gold rush of 1897. The picture shows the excitement and enthusiasm that attended the great Klondike exodus. Crowds of anxious gold seeke... More
Fast mail, Northern Pacific R. R. /
"Here is a twelve car train dashing along at a high rate of speed. It is seen first in the distance and approaches and passes by the camera. As it takes less than 30 seconds to show this 50 foot strip on a Proj... More
Sheep run, Chicago stockyards /
"A large flock of sheep being driven over the runs from the cars to the slaughter beds. The sheep, pressed by the driver and frightened by the surroundings and confusion, move very fast"--Maguire & Baucus catal... More
S.S. "Williamette" leaving for Klondike /
"Shows the steamer backing out from the docks of the Northern Pacific R.R. Co. at Seattle Wash., with its immense load of passengers waving adieux to relatives and friends"--F.Z. Maguire & Co. catalog. 60556 U.... More
Racing at Sheepshead Bay /. 19th century, Library of Congress collecti...
"The finish and weighing out of a running race with nine starters. Won by famous Clifford, Sloane up. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 43414 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 31July1897; 43414. ... More
Cupid and Psyche / - vaudeville film
"An original dance by the Leander Sisters, performed at the Sutro Baths, San Francisco, Cal. One is dressed as Cupid, with the accompanying wings, bow and arrow; the other represents Psyche. The dance is full o... More
Horses loading for Klondike, no. 9 /
"The wharf is crowded with live stock, and the huge derrick slowly drops the large box or sling into the bunch. Into this cradle a horse is led, and is slowly hoisted and swung over to the deck of the steamer. ... More
Fisherman's luck / motion picture
"Two German anglers are fishing, with odd results. One gets a bite, and pulls in a length of stovepipe. The other is so astonished that he falls overboard. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 52618 U.S. Copyright O... More
Corner Madison and State Streets, Chicago /
"The busiest corner in Chicago. Cable cars and street traffic of all descriptions. Hundreds of shoppers. Fine perspective view looking north toward the Masonic Temple. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. "Erie Rail... More
Buffalo stockyards / motion picture
"A long line of horses, mules and ponies are led, driven and ridden into the yards, where they are sold and distributed"--Edison films catalog. 43408 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 31July189... More
Arnold Genthe - Arrest in Chinatown, San Francisco, Cal. /
This film shows the arrest and conveyance of a Chinese man in Chinatown, watched by a crowd of onlookers. The precise date of this film and the arrest charge are uncertain. It is possible that the arrest was co... More
Buffalo Fire Department in action /
"Another of those stirring fire scenes which have proved so popular. There are ten pieces of apparatus in the picture. Every piece fully manned is under full headway, and is shown almost head-on to the beholder... More
First Avenue, Seattle, Washington, no. 8 /
"Taken during the Klondike excitement. The streets are crowded with miners buying outfits and supplies. Mule trains, trolley cars and hurrying pedestrians give life and bustle to the scene. 50 feet."--Edison fi... More
Surf at Monterey / motion picture
"The water breaks over the rocks, and is dashed into silvery spray, high into the air. Exceptionally fine water effects. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog, no. 105. "Southern Pacific Company Series: The Southern P... More
Free-for-all race at Charter Oak Park /
"Shows a part of the enormous crowd and the start and finish of the free-for-all pacing race, in which the fastest harness horse in the world, John R. Gentry (2:00-1/2), the coming Star Pointer and Frank Agan c... More
Lurline Baths / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...
"A large indoor swimming pool can be seen. The camera was directed toward a slide from which people can be seen entering the pool in rapid succession"--Early motion pictures. "At San Francisco. The main feature... More
Hotel Vendome, San Jose, Cal. /
"The world famous hotel, with crowded piazzas, which forms the background, is one of the best in the State of Califonia and is the principal stop for tourists en route to the famous Lick Observatory. The pictur... More
Launch of life boat /. 19th century, Library of Congress collection
"Pacific Coast Life Saving Service series: These subjects are illustrative of the work performed by the Life Saving Corps of the United States Government, and show the methods in vogue at one of the most import... More
Hotel Del Monte / motion picture
"Shows a party of tourists at this famous resort; located in Monterey, Cal., on the Southern Pacific Railroad. The magnificence of its surroundings is clearly shown. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. "Southern Pa... More
Philadelphia Express, Jersey Central Railway /
"The scene of the overhead crossing of the Pennsylvania and Jersey Central railroads at Elizabeth, N.J. While a Pennsylvania train is passing over the arch, the Philadelphia Express on the Central Railroad come... More
Stanford University, California / motion picture
"Taken at the above University, noted the world over, being the personal gift of the late Senator Leland Stanford. The view shows an immense arch in the background through which are seen coming groups of studen... More
Lick Observatory, Mt. Hamilton, Cal. /
"The background of this picture is the Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton, Cal. This observatory, the gift of James Lick, of Pennsylvania, was constructed at a cost of $700,000, being equipped with one of the mos... More
Leander Sisters / - vaudeville film
The Leander Sisters perform a clever, characteristic dance called the "Yellow Kid." Stage is in the Sutro Baths, San Francisco, Cal., and the audience is composed largely of bathers. One sister appears to be dr... More
Sutro Baths, no. 1 /. 19th century, Library of Congress collection
"One of the sights of San Francisco. A 50-foot slide is used by the bathers, who toboggan down its slippery surface in all positions. The bathers are clad in black trunks, making fine contrast with the flesh ti... More
Fisherman's Wharf / motion picture
"Shows the wharf at San Francisco, Cal., with a large fleet of fishing boats at anchor. The crews are engaged in mending nets, arranging lines, etc., all of which lend action to the view. The figures are clear ... More
Capsize of lifeboat / motion picture
"Daily practise [sic] of life boat crew, showing boat being upset purposely by the men. As these boats are self-righting and self-bailing, the scene is particularly interesting. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. ... More
Coptic S.S. "Coptic" sailing away /, Egypt
From F.Z. Maguire catalogue: Shows the vessel after she has been fully turned and on her way across the Pacific. The boat shows large and clear with smoke coming from the stack. In the foreground is a constantl... More
Launching, no. 2 / motion picture
"The camera was changed after the former subject had been photographed [i.e., Launch of Japanese man-of-war "Chitosa"] and the ship [Chitose] is seen nearly head-on, bow first, still floating backward into the ... More
Union Iron Works / motion picture
"Here was built the peerless battleship "Oregon." The scene is taken at lunch hour, and shows a great throng of employees leaving the shop. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog, no. 94, March 1900, p. 21. "Southern P... More
Soldiers washing dishes / motion picture
Some men in military uniform, others in civilian clothes, bringing cups and cutlery to wash, tents and building in background. Actual washing not shown. 38243 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison;... More
Pack mules with ammunition on the Santiago Trail, Cuba /
"A great pack train approaches rapidly, following the gray bell-mule. Cowboys dash to and fro, keeping them bunched. Clouds of dust arise as they pass"--Edison films catalog. About 12,000 mules were taken to Cu... More
Parade of marines, U.S. cruiser "Brooklyn" /
"First comes the famous Marine Band of the "Brooklyn," with the mascot goat alongside the bass drum. The 300 Marines follow in rapid marching order, a sixteen file front in each company. 150 feet"--Edison films... More
Wreck of the battleship "Maine" /
"Taken in Havana Harbor from a moving launch, and shows the wreck of the "Maine" surrounded by wrecking boats and other vessels. The warped and twisted remains show how thoroughly this immense mass of iron and ... More
Freight train / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...
"The long train is just coming out of the tunnel. An engine and a header, nineteen freight cars, a caboose and a pusher engine creep slowly round the curve and up the steep grade. Fine smoke effects. Magnificen... More
Shooting captured insurgents / motion picture
"A file of Spanish soldiers line up the Cubans against a blank wall and fire a volley. The flash of rifles and drifting smoke make a very striking picture. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 46696 U.S. Copyright O... More
After launching / motion picture
"Taken near the Union Works, San Francisco, Cal., immediately after the launching of the Japanese Man-of-war "Chitose." The scene opens with the pleasure yacht "Unadilla" passing in the immediate foreground, he... More
9th Infantry boys' morning wash /
"Imagine forty or fifty soldier boys each with a pail of water on the ground before him, sousing and spattering and scrubbing away for dear life. Soap and towels too. Every man jack of them looks as if he were ... More
10th U.S. Infantry, 2nd Battalion, leaving cars /
"American infantry troops dressed in field uniforms of the Spanish-American War can be seen close to the foreground of the camera position. Three companies of men, in columns of fours, march by the camera. In t... More
Major General Shafter / motion picture
"The commander of the 5th Army Corps rides forward with a party of officers. He wears a white helmet, a broad expanse of shirt bosom and a general air of avoirdupois. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 46694 U.S. ... More
Hockey match on the ice /. 19th century, Library of Congress collectio...
"The skaters dart to and fro, swinging their hockeys [i.e., hockey sticks] and trying to hit the disc toward the goal. 150 feet"--Edison films catalog. 13572 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 2... More
Sunset Limited, Southern Pacific Ry. /
"Taken at Fingal, Cal., where the world-renowned "Sunset Limited" trains pass each other. One runs on a side track, and the other dashes by at a high rate of speed. Switch is then turned, and the train passes o... More
Going through the tunnel /. 19th century, Library of Congress collecti...
"On the way to Santa Monica, Cal., the train approaches, runs through and emerges from a tunnel. Train passes in opposite direction. Camera is at front end of train, giving a very novel view. 100 feet"--Edison ... More
Military camp at Tampa, taken from train /
"A wide plain, dotted with tents, gleaming white in the bright sunshine. Soldiers moving about everywhere, at all sorts of duties. In the background looms up a big cigar factory; giving the prosaic touch to the... More
Native daughters / motion picture
"Taken at San Francisco, Cal., at the Golden Jubilee. In the foreground is shown an immense concourse of people, including ladies and children, while the background is formed by very high buildings, from the wi... More
War correspondents / motion picture
"Shows a phase of the war excitement as it affects newpaper men at Key West, Florida. About a dozen war correspondents of the different New York papers are running up the street in a bunch to get to the cable o... More
Cuban refugees waiting for rations /
"A group of escaped reconcentrados, saved from the fate of starvation imposed by the Butcher, Weyler. They stand in line waiting, each man with his tin dish and cup. One expects to see just such men as these, a... More
Mount Tamalpais R.R. motion picture
The following is a scene-by-scene description of the film: The first segment of the film was probably shot from the back of a passenger car being pushed up the grade by a locomotive (as was standard practice). ... More
Statue of Liberty / motion picture
A three-quarter front view of the Statue of Liberty. The statue was erected twelve years earlier, in 1886. 52060 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 3Sept1898; 52060. Camera, J. Stuart Blackton, ... More
Wash day in Mexico /. 19th century, Library of Congress collection
"Mexican International R. R. Series: the interesting views catalogued below were photographed by our artists, while enjoying the special privileges extended to Mr. Edison's party. Under a broad and intelligent ... More
Morro Castle, Havana Harbor /. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...
"A most excellent picture of the grim old fortress which stands at the entrance of Havana Harbor. The high ramparts and lofty battlements look very formidable. Parts of the stronghold date back to the seventeen... More
Transport "Whitney" leaving dock /
"This boat was the first one to leave for the South with troops. On board is a battalion of the 5th U.S. Infantry. She is a sidewheeler, and the churn of her wide paddles makes the white foam seethe and boil as... More
U.S. cavalry supplies unloading at Tampa, Florida /
"Here is a freight train of thirty cars loaded with baggage and ambulance supplies for the 9th U.S. Cavalry. In the foreground a score of troopers are pulling, lifting and hauling an ambulance from a flat car. ... More
Burial of the "Maine" victims /
"Taken at Key West, Fla., March 27, 1898. First comes a detachment of sailors and marines in the left foreground, while at the right is seen a crowd of small colored boys, which precedes any public procession i... More
Roosevelt's Rough Riders embarking for Santiago /
Soldiers in Spanish-American War uniforms moving boxes towards a steamship on the dock. 38238 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 22June1898; 38238. Original main title lacking. Date is copyright... More
Cuban volunteers embarking / motion picture
Men carrying rifles and bedrolls boarding ship via gangway. 38246 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 22June1898; 38246. Original main title lacking. Date is copyright and production date; unable... More
Parade of Chinese / motion picture
"Taken at San Francisco, Cal., at the Golden Jubilee. This picture shows a procession of the resident Chinese of San Francisco, carrying banners, flags, etc. They are followed by an immense float drawn by four ... More
Procession of floats / motion picture
"Taken at San Francisco, Cal., at the Golden Jubilee. In the foreground are seen crowds of people, all being very close to the camera. The first float is drawn by four white horses and is at least twenty feet l... More
Troops making military road in front of Santiago /
"Here is a detail of the 34th Michigan Regiment engaged in road making. Under command of Captain Dodd of Troop E, 3rd Regular Cavalry, they are road making, that the siege guns may go to the front. The chaparra... More
Blanket-tossing a new recruit /
"Company F, 1st Ohio Volunteers, initiating a new man. Nineteen times he bounces in the blanket, and each toss is funnier than the last one. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 38240 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright... More
N.Y. Journal despatch yacht "Buccaneer" /
"Shows the despatch boat of the "New York Journal" steaming through the water, having aboard the war correspondents. This is one of the fastest yachts engaged in the business. She approaches rapidly and as she ... More
South Spring Street, Los Angeles, Cal. /
"Various equipages pass, including a tally-ho and six white horses. A peculiar, open-end trolley car comes along; bicycle riders and pedestrians. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog, no 105. "Southern Pacific Compan... More
Troop ships for the Philippines /
Shows the departure from San Francisco of two troop ships, the S.S. Australia and the S.S. City of Sydney, bound for Manila during the Spanish-American War. The first ship shown is the Australia with many troop... More
Sleighing scene / motion picture
"A view taken on the West Side Drive in Central Park. Shows a continuous stream of handsome rigs and turnouts passing in both directions. Pedestrians watch the gay carnival. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 7346... More
Troops embarking at San Francisco /
Shows troops of the First Regiment, California Volunteers, boarding the Pacific Mail steamer City of Peking to serve in the Philippine theater of the Spanish-American War. The film was shot at the Pacific Mail ... More
Colored troops disembarking / motion picture
"The steamer "Mascotte" has reached her dock at Port Tampa, and the 2d Battalion of Colored Infantry is going ashore. Tide is very high, and the gang plank is extra steep; and it is laughable to see the extreme... More
Cuban ambush / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...
"From the upper windows of a ruined mill the Cubans fire at a scouting party of Spaniards, who return the volley. Fine smoke effects. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 46695 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thoma... More
Tenderloin at night / motion picture
A man walks into a bar in the Tenderloin, where he is greeted enthusiastically by the patrons. The bartender brings a round of drinks for everyone. While one of the women distracts the newcomer, one of the men ... More
Skirmish of Rough Riders /. 19th century, Library of Congress collecti...
"Shielded by a thick bit of timber at a turn of the road stands a company of mounted men, awaiting the order to advance. In the foreground, left as the flotsam of battle, is a dead horse from the shelter of whi... More
Tourists going round Yellowstone Park /
"The following pictures were taken by our artists at various points on the Northern Pacific Railway...Rapidly one after the other coach after coach passes before the camera. First comes a big one, six horses, c... More
U.S. Infantry supported by Rough Riders at El Caney /
"Up the road comes a detachment of infantry, firing, advancing, kneeling and firing, again and again. The advance of the foot soldiers is followed by a troop of Rough Riders, riding like demons, yelling and fir... More
"Columbia" winning the Cup /. 19th century, Library of Congress collec...
"The decisive moment in the great International Yacht Races is shown in this picture. Against a background of well defined clouds, the Light Boat is seen marking the finishing line in this great aquatic struggl... More
Capture of trenches at Candaba /
"The Filipinos execute a flank movement and re-occupy the trenches, cutting off the advance guard of Americans. The rebel flag waves over the ditch and they defend their position bravely. A fierce charge by our... More
Cripple Creek bar-room scene /. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...
"Shows tap room of the "Miners Arms," stout lady at the bar, and three men playing stud horse. Old toper with a silk hat asleep by the stove. Rough miner enters, bar maid serves him with Red Eye Whiskey and he ... More
104th Street curve, New York, elevated railway /
"Taken from the front platform of a special train run backward over the celebrated S curve. Not only are the passing trains and crowded platforms of great interest, but the view of up-town New York is an excell... More
2nd Special Service Battalion, Canadian Infantry--parade /
"This picture shows the Canadian troops departing from Quebec for the war in the Transvaal. The scene opens with the soldiers clad in campaign uniform, marching under the triumphal arch, cheered by thousands of... More
New York police parade, June 1st, 1899 /
"An excellent view of "The Finest," on their annual parade and inspection, June 1, 1899. The head of the column is just turning into 14th Street from Broadway, the Morton House forming part of the background. C... More
New Brooklyn to New York via Brooklyn Bridge, no. 2 /
"This is a new negative showing the entire trip from Brooklyn to New York, in which the immense towers stand out clear and distinct against the sky. The best picture of the Brooklyn Bridge yet secured. 150 feet... More
Pilot boats in New York harbor /
A New York harbor pilot boat passes close enough for members of the crew to be seen [Frame: 0471]. Following the sailing vessel is a steamship [Frame: 0780]. "A close view of an eighty footer, schooner-rigged, ... More
Love and war / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...
"An illustrated song telling the story of a hero who leaves for the war as a private, is promoted to the rank of captain for bravery in service, meets the girl of his choice, who is a Red Cross nurse on the fie... More
U.S. troops and Red Cross in the trenches before Caloocan /
"Our troops have driven the Filipinos out of the trenches, and, after firing one or two volleys, press on in pursuit. The enemy returns the fire and the forward rush is marked by a trail of dead and wounded. Fo... More
Astor Battery on parade /. 19th century, Library of Congress collectio...
"As they appeared in New York on Saturday, January 21 [i.e., January 23], 1899 on their return from active service in the Philippines. The picture is taken as they cross Broadway, Union Square, north. First com... More
Filipinos retreat from trenches /
"An incident of the Battle of the Trenches at Candabar [sic]. The enemy threw up a high earth embankment during the night, and are defending it with great stubbornness. The pits are crowded with Filipinos, who ... More
Troops at evacuation of Havana /
"The troops are turning into the Prado from a side street, where stands a triumphal arch erected by the Cubans, but which Gen. Brooke, the Military Governor of Cuba, would not permit to be finished, as he allow... More
The Astor tramp / motion picture
"A side-splitting subject, showing the mistaken tramp's arrival at the Wm. Waldorf Astor mansion and being discovered comfortably asleep in bed by the lady of the house. Length 100 feet, complete with words of ... More
Advance of Kansas Volunteers at Caloocan /
"From the thick underbrush where the Filipinos are massed comes volley after volley. They are making one of those determined stands that marks Caloocan as the bloodiest battle of the Filipino rebellion. Suddenl... More
Mesmerist and country couple /. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...
"Mr. and Mrs. Hayseed have heard of this wonderful Professor, and come to his office. They waken him from a trance, give him a fee and he hypnotizes them. The stunts they do while under his influence would make... More
Admiral Dewey taking leave of Washington committee on the U.S. cruiser...
"Showing the gallant Admiral standing directly in front of the camera, life size, his head bare, graciously bidding his guests adieu. This was exhibited at Eden Musee and Koster and Bial's, New York, to 18,000 ... More
General Lee's procession, Havana /
From Edison films catalog: A magnificent view of the Prado, from the balcony of the United States Club. The procession is headed by a troop of horsemen. Prominent among them is General Lee. Then come the soldie... More
Launching a stranded schooner from the docks /
"During the terrific storm all of the light craft along the dock front was lifted out of the water and washed up into the streets, many of them being carried for miles inland. This subject shows a number of boa... More
Panoramic view of the Champs Elysees /
"The camera was mounted on a moving vehicle on a main street of Paris, France. The Arc de Triomphe can be seen in the distance. The vehicle carryingthe camera makes an abrupt turn and proceeds down a street hea... More
Uncle Josh in a spooky hotel /. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...
"The landlord enters with his rural guest. After examining the bed and other things in the room, Josh takes a seat beside the landlord, who tells him that there is a rumor that a ghost appears in that room ever... More