Reflection Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Head Sticking Out Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Woman With Glasses Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Two Tubes Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Yellow Hat Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Goggles Jack Delano/Library of Congress
Blue Uniform Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Large Tubes Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Coffee Break Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Painting Star Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Overhead Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Large Machinery Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Factory Worker Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Metal Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Red Bandana Jack Delano/Library of Congress
Electrical Work Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Riveting Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
At Bench Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
At Work Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Baggy Pants Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Bandana Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Curved Metal Tubes Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Flannel Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Green Pail Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Holding Jars Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Navy Plane Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Navy Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
On Back Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Painting Red And Yellow Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Painting White Star Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Pink Outfit Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Spray Paint Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Red Clothing Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Sitting Down Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Smile Button Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Rivets Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Stare Jack Delano/Library of Congress
Three Women Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Two Women Working Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Windows Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Women On The Job Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Yellow Rivets Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress
Women Smiling Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress
Yellow Tunnel Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress

Even today, 73 years after the creation of the poster that made her famous, most of us can still instantly recognize Rosie the Riveter. The character indeed took root in the American consciousness by evolving beyond its original purpose -- getting women into the factory workforce during World War II -- and soon became a feminist touchstone.

But as important a symbol as Rosie has become, how many of us understand the original context from which she arose?

Did you know, for example, that more than 19 million women worked in essential roles contributing to the war effort, especially in the factories once deemed the domain of men? In aircraft factories, for one, women represented the majority of the workforce by the middle of the war.

And in touring those factories, a handful of photographers left us with some stunning images that now allow us to see these real-life Rosie the Riveters in action.

Next, have a look at the women behind the creation of the famous Rosie the Riveter posters. Then, read up on the eight most bad-ass women of World War II.