25 photos show what life looked like for Americans 150 years ago

As America approached it 100th birthday in 1876, the nation was on the precipice of a major transformation.

The Second Industrial Revolution was ushering in new industries, innovations, and cultural shifts.

It fueled the Gilded Age, and the fast accumulation of enormous wealth was reshaping American society.

Interest in leisure and sports began to rise, a middle class emerged, with the Civil Rights Act of 1875 offering hope — albeit short-lived — to African American communities.

Everyday life also looked different.

People dressed in formal apparel as a norm, traveled by steamboat and buggy, and communicated via the then-emerging telegrams.

Take a look back in history to see what life was like 150 years ago, from family life and fashion to transportation and food.