Also Within this year in history

In 1957, the Soviet Union shot its Sputnik satellite into orbit, launching a space race with the U.S. The Little Rock Nine integrated an Arkansas high school to fierce local opposition, forcing President Eisenhower to send in federal troops to escort them. Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the first such law since Reconstruction. In Liverpool, England, 16-year-old John Lennon and 15-year-old Paul McCartney met for the first time at a church fair. In the U.S., frisbees flew into popularity.

Mar

19

Arts & Entertainment

Elvis Presley puts a down payment on Graceland

With a $1,000 cash deposit against a sale price of $102,500, Elvis Presley agrees to purchase the home called Graceland on March 19, 1957.

Elvis at Graceland

(Original Caption) 3/26/1957-Memphis, TN-A thoughtful Elvis Presley leans against a massive pillar on the front porch of his traditional southern-style home, "Graceland," at Whitehaven, near Memphis.

Bettmann Archive

May

12

Sports

Race car driver A.J. Foyt gets first pro victory

On May 12, 1957, race car driver A.J. Foyt (1935- ) scores his first professional victory, in a U.S. Automobile Club (USAC) midget car race in Kansas City, Missouri.

This Day in History – May 12, 1957, legendary driver AJ Foyt won the midget stock car championship. This win set off his career, leading him to win 4 Indy-500 championships. To find out more about the great formula-1 driver, check out this clip.

Jul

06

Black History

Althea Gibson is first African American to win Wimbledon

On July 6, 1957, Althea Gibson claims the women’s singles tennis title at Wimbledon and becomes the first African American to win a championship at London’s All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Althea Gibson wins her third British title

Althea Gibson who is favourite for the women's title at Wimbledon is pictured with the trophy after beating her compatriot Darlene Hard 6-3 3-6 6-4 in the final of the Kent All-comers Championship at Beckenham. (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)

PA Images via Getty Images

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