“Afghan Girl” captured the world’s imagination when this photo appeared on the cover of National Geographic – 1984
In a refugee camp along the Pakistan/Afghan border in 1984, the image of this woman was snapped by a National Geographic photographer. The haunting image was so descriptive, emotional and powerful in the way it captured the feeling and plight of the refugees left without a home, it made its way onto the cover of the magazine. Seen by millions of people, it shed light on the situation abroad and let us connect with the feelings of this woman a world away. In 2002 the photographer returned to the region to find out the identity of this woman, hoping to finally hear her story. After weeks of searching a tip led him to a house where he was greeted by the woman and her family. Her name is Sharbat Gula and the life she lived since the photograph has been one of hard times. Read more about her amazing story here: Wikipedia
The very first photo ever taken at Machu Picchu, Peru – 1911
Sitting at almost 7,500 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu was inhabited from 1450-1550, then sat abandoned for hundreds of years. Locals knew of the location but the outside world had no idea until it was first “discovered” in 1911. Since the rediscovery of the amazing city, over 30% of the structures have been rebuilt or been shored-up to make it safe for the over 500,000 tourists who flock to the site each year. In 1983 it was declared a UNESCo world heritage site.
Actor Clint Eastwood tries a new transportation device: the skateboard – 1964
Clint Eastwood is one of America’s finest actors. His roles in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, as well as the Dirty Harry franchise and Unforgiven, to name a few, have made him a star all over the globe. That fame didn’t stop Eastwood from being a very active outdoorsman, he loved to surf, ride horses and from the looks of this photo, even skateboarding. In 1986, Eastwood became mayor of his beloved hometown of Carmel, California, and even at the age of 85, is still starring in and directing movies.