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July 1959—First Photograph Appears on the CoverSeventy years after its founding in 1888, the National Geographic Society introduces the first photograph on the cover of its increasingly popular journal. Following a tradition of American flag covers in July that began during World War II, the July 1959 issue features the new, 49-star banner. Alaska, admitted to the Union in January 1959, is profiled in several articles, and a map of the newest state is included as a supplement with the issue.
Photograph by B. Anthony Stewart
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