The first accurate model of DNA was created by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. They used X-ray diffraction images taken by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins, along with other research, to determine the double helix structure of DNA.

It's important to note that while Watson and Crick are credited with the discovery, Rosalind Franklin's contributions were crucial. Her X-ray image, known as "Photo 51," provided critical information about the structure of DNA, particularly the helical nature and the spacing of the nucleotides.

While other scientists, including Linus Pauling, proposed models of DNA before Watson and Crick, these models were incorrect. Watson and Crick's model was the first to accurately represent the structure of DNA, and it revolutionized our understanding of genetics and molecular biology.