1877: James Montgomery Flagg, creator of the Uncle Sam illustration, was born in Pelham Manor, New York. Flagg claimed that his illustration, an indelible American icon, had become the most famous poster in the world. Dressed in his own Uncle Sam suit, he used himself as the model for this poster and his other Uncle Sam illustrations. An illustrator and portrait artist best known for his commercial art, Flagg contributed 46 works in support of the war effort during World War I. Leslie's Weekly first published his picture of Uncle Sam as the cover of the July 6, 1916, issue with the title "What Are You Doing for Preparedness?" The image also was used extensively during World War II. (Source: Library of Congress)