These Century-Old Photos Are Some Of The First Taken In Toronto & They Look Unrecognizable

While many of us know Toronto as a million-person city, it wasn't always that way. 

The City of Toronto has shared some of the first pictures to be taken of the 6ix, and they look almost unrecognizable. 

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According to the City, in the late 1850s, multiple spots including Toronto, Montreal, Kingston, Quebec City and Ottawa were fighting to be named the capital of Canada. 

[rebelmouse-image 26010946 photo_credit="City Of Toronto Archives" expand=1 original_size="1050x789"] City Of Toronto Archives

During this time, the city took some photos of the area to include in a report of why Toronto should win the title. 

[rebelmouse-image 26010945 alt="Old Toronto Photos Show Just How Different The City Looks Now" photo_credit="City Of Toronto Archives" expand=1 original_size="1050x762"] City Of Toronto Archives

The photos, which are the earliest known pictures of the 6ix, showcase old buildings surrounded by quiet roads. 

[rebelmouse-image 26010947 photo_credit="City Of Toronto Archives" expand=1 original_size="1050x820"] City Of Toronto Archives

One photo even captures Trinity College, which looks strangely different without the buildings that surround it today. 

[rebelmouse-image 26010948 photo_credit="City Of Toronto Archives" expand=1 original_size="1050x661"] City Of Toronto Archives

Other snapshots show the beginnings of King Street East, which still remains a popular spot to Torontonians decades later. 

[rebelmouse-image 26010949 photo_credit="City of Toronto Art Collection" expand=1 original_size="1024x442"] City of Toronto Art Collection