1870 – Mt. Washington, New Hampshire. Dubbed as “The oldest UFO photograph ever taken.”

The 1870 Mt. Washington Photograph: Believed to be the Oldest UFO Image in Existence

In the realm of unidentified flying object (UFO) history, few photographs have garnered as much intrigue and debate as a stereoscopic image purportedly taken in 1870 at Mount Washington, New Hampshire. Often referred to as “The Oldest UFO Photograph Ever Taken,” this historic image continues to captivate enthusiasts, skeptics, and researchers alike.

Background and Provenance

This historic photograph gained renewed attention when it was auctioned on eBay in 2002, attracting considerable interest from both the UFO community and the broader photographic audience. The image was ultimately purchased for $385 by Samuel M. Sherman, a notable figure in the entertainment industry and former President of Independent-International Pictures Corp. Sherman’s involvement lent a certain credibility and curiosity to the photograph’s provenance.

The Nature of the Photography

What sets this image apart is its classification as a stereoscopic (or “Stereo”) photograph—a technique developed in the 19th century to create a three-dimensional effect when viewed with special equipment. Since stereoscopic photography was a complex process requiring precision, manipulating such images in the early 1870s would have been exceedingly difficult without advanced editing tools.

The Significance of the Image

The photograph depicts an apparent unidentified flying object in the sky above Mount Washington. Given the technological limitations of the era, the presence of unfamiliar aerial phenomena prompted numerous theories. Importantly, no known flying objects or aircraft existed in 1870, especially of the type observed in this image. This fact fuels speculation that the photograph could be a genuine record of an early UFO encounter or an extraordinary anomaly captured on film.

Skepticism and Considerations

While the photograph is undeniably compelling, it’s vital to approach such claims with a critical eye. The era’s photographic techniques and the rarity of digital manipulation at the time make deliberate fakery less likely but not impossible. Preservation records, expert analysis, and contextual evidence are essential in assessing the photograph’s authenticity.

Conclusion

The 1870 Mt. Washington stereoscopic photograph remains a fascinating piece of UFO lore and photographic history. Whether viewed as an authentic glimpse into early aerial phenomena or as an intriguing artifact of its time, it continues to inspire curiosity and debate about humanity’s encounters with the unknown. As with all historical UFO photographs, ongoing research and technological advancements in image analysis may someday shed more definitive light on its origins and significance.