Nellie Bly

Female journalist Elizabeth Jane Cochran (1864-1922), who was widely known by her pen name Nellie Bly, is pictured in 1890 after having traveled around the world in a record setting 72 days. In addition to her famous voyage, she was also known for her report in which she faked mental illness and was admitted to an asylum in order to expose corruption in the institution. 

Tokyo Rose

Iva Toguri was an American who participated in propaganda broadcasts by Radio Tokyo to Allied soldiers in the South Pacific during World War II. On her program, 'Zero Hour', Toguri referred to herself as 'Orphan Ann', but she quickly became known as 'Tokyo Rose' to Allied troops.

When she tried to return to the United States, she was tried on 8 counts of treason, and eventually convicted on one count. Iva Toguri was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and was paroled after serving 6 years and 2 months. In 1974, an investigation into her trial revealed that a key witness had lied in their testimony. In 1977, President Gerald Ford issued her a full pardon. She died of natural causes on September 26, 2006.

Leaders' Private Moments

General Douglas MacArthur and President Harry Truman are photographed thru the back window of their automobile on Wake Island, US Territory in the North Pacific in October 1950.

Pope Saint Pius X

Pope Pius X pictured in the Vatican Gardens in December 1904.

Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto on June 2, 1835, he was the leader of the Roman Catholic Church from 1903 until his death on August 20, 1914.  He was canonized by Pope Pius XII on May 29, 1954, the first Pope to be canonized since 1712.

Millvina Dean

The last survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster, Millvina Dean is pictured holding a painting of the ship that would carry her and her family to a better life in America. At nine weeks old, Dean was the youngest passenger on the Titanic's maiden voyage in 1912.

Pictured (circa 1912/1913) with her older brother Bertram, Millvina Dean passed away on May 31, 1999 at the age of 97 in Southampton, England, the very port from where the Titanic would depart on her ill-fated voyage.

Gloria Swanson

American actress Gloria Swanson is pictured in this still from her 1919 movie "Don't Change Your Husband". Born Gloria May Josephine Swanson on March 27, 1899, she made her acting debut in 1914 during the silent film era. Swanson was also known for her affair with a married Joseph P. Kennedy, who was her business partner and father of the future US President John F. Kennedy. She died at the age of 84 on April 4, 1983 in New York City.

Ferris Wheel

The first Ferris wheel, invented by George Washington Gale Ferris, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania bridge builder, is pictured in 1893 at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The wheel became known as the 'Chicago Wheel'.

The Famous Second Flag

Marines of Easy Company carry what would become the most famous American flag in history up Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima February 23, 1945. The famous photograph of the second flag raising would ultimately become etched in the fabric of world history. 

July 4, 1826

John Adams

John Adams, the 2nd President of the United States, was born in Braintree, Massachusetts on October 19, 1735.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States, was born in Albemarle County, Virginia on April 13, 1743.

Coincidentally, both men died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Adams died on his farm in Quincy, Massachusetts, while Jefferson died in his Monticello, Virginia home. 

Adams' last words were 'Thomas Jefferson survives', never knowing that Jefferson had passed away a few hours earlier.                                           

Historic Gathering

For the first time in history, five US Presidents are photographed together. At the opening of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on November 4, 1991, Presidents George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and Richard Nixon pose for this historic portrait.

Washington Monument

After its' construction had been halted for 25 years, the Washington Monument is pictured in 1860.

Johnny Weissmuller

Johnny Weissmuller is pictured (circa:1922) at an Illinois athletic club prior to his winning 5 Olympic gold medals in 1924 and 1928. In 1932 he signed an MGM movie contract that would propel him into an acting career that featured him as Tarzan.

Thomas Viaduct

Construction on the Thomas Viaduct began on July 4, 1833 and was completed July 4, 1835. Spanning the Patapsco River between Relay and Elkridge, Maryland, the world's first multi span railroad bridge is also the oldest continuously operational structure of its' kind. Pictured above in 1970, current efforts are underway to preserve this national landmark.

Trappers

In September 1908, a 15 year old boy is pictured at work as a trapper in a West Virginia coal mine. The trapper was responsible for opening and closing the ventilation door of a mine. When the motorman would approach, he would blink his lights, signaling the trapper to open the door so he could pass through. The trapper would then close the door and wait until the next train came, which was generally every hour. Probably the most difficult part of this young man's job was the long periods of loneliness, darkness and waiting.