Althea Gibson Wins Wimbledon
Althea Gibson broke color barriers in tennis when she became the first African American to win a Wimbledon title on July 6, 1957. Her victory was not just a personal triumph but a landmark achievement in the civil rights movement, symbolizing a breakthrough in the integration of sports in America. Gibson’s success challenged racial stereotypes […]
Tragedy at the Mille Miglia Race
The 1957 Mille Miglia, a popular and prestigious car race in Italy, ended in horror when a Ferrari driven by Spanish race car driver Alfonso de Portago blew a tire and crashed into the crowd, killing himself, his co-driver, and eleven spectators, including five children. This catastrophic event led to the permanent cancellation of the […]
Elvis Presley Receives Draft Notice for Military Service
On this day in 1957, the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley, received a draft notice for military service in the United States Army. His service symbolized a cultural shift and influenced the perception of military duty.
The Soviet Union Launches Sputnik 2 with Laika, the First Living Creature in Space
The Soviet space program achieved another milestone when they launched Sputnik 2 on November 3rd, 1957, with Laika, a dog, aboard. Laika became the first living creature to orbit the Earth, contributing to the early days of human space exploration.
Sputnik 1
On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the earth’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik I. The successful launch came as a shock to experts and citizens in the United States, who had hoped that the United States would accomplish this scientific advancement first.
“In God We Trust”
“In God We Trust” appears on US paper currency as an act to distinguish the US from the officially atheist USSR; the motto had appeared on coins at various times since 1864.
Ebbets Field
The Brooklyn Dodgers played their last game at Ebbets Field on September 24th before relocating to Los Angeles, marking the end of an era in baseball history.
Little Rock Nine
The Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students, courageously entered Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas on September 4th, marking a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.