Unique Photos That Capture The 1970s In America

Taken in Staten Island, New York in 1973, this photo captures the pristine appearance of these white houses down a street in Great Kills Park. Almost like the houses in Stepford, the lawns on these front gardens are trimmed to perfection while some are also home to neatly trimmed bushes, white statues, and splashes of red roses. Otherwise known as the "forgotten borough," Staten Island has many negative stigmas attached to it. However, it is clear during the 1970s these were less precise.

In 1971, the EPA launched Documerica, a project to capture images of environmental problems, EPA activities, and everyday life in America. Freelance photographers captured more than 15,000 photos of the heightened air and water crises of that time. Taken in North Birmingham, Alabama in July 1972, neighbors from this quiet street got together to watch day become night when the industrial smog became so heavy. Sitting adjacent to the U.S. pipe plant, this is the most heavily polluted area of the city.

This 1972 photo really captivates that Las Vegas is the city of bright lights and signs. The beautiful scenic view of mountains is almost disguised by the countless mostly red, eye-captivating signs down the street. Being ranked as one of the world's most visited tourist destinations, as well as being extremely densely populated, even during the '70s, it is no wonder why so many hotels, motels, and apartments were advertising their services. These motorists have unlimited options of where to go for a quick catnap.

Ladies of the 1970s were all about flared high-waisted trousers, funky patterns, and hippie power, and these women display exactly that. As the jet takes off from National Airport in Washington, District of Columbia in May 1973, one of the four ladies covers her ears against the roar of the engine. While being fascinated with the large advanced vehicle taking to the sky, these ladies remain basic with their environmentally-friendly two-wheeled bicycles as they take a trip around the city.

This is Associate County Court Judge Fred Burns on his daily bike ride to the Seward County Courthouse in Nebraska in May of 1972. While most judges remain understated, Burns' plaid suit with large white tie sets precedent for the 1970s fashion. Traveling solo on his bicycle down this empty road you can almost hear the silence and tranquility of this early morning commute. While being a great role model and encouraging a cleaner environment by replacing his car with a bike, someone should let him know even judges should wear helmets!