What happened in January 1959?
The top front-page story of each day in January 1959, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Jan 1🔬 Life Found on Mars – Air Force research indicates lowly forms of life could be viable in simulated Martian conditions.
- Jan 2🏈 Iowa Overpowers California – Iowa Hawkeyes defeat California 38-12 in a football game, highlighted by Jeter's record 81-yard run.
- Jan 3🌕 Alaska Joins Union – President proclaims Alaska as the 49th state during a White House ceremony, marking a significant moment in U.S. history.
- Jan 4🚀 Soviet Space Success – Soviet Union achieves another milestone in the space race, boosting confidence amid U.S. setbacks.
- Jan 5🎻 Israeli Violinist Recital – Mishory, Concertmaster of Tel Aviv Orchestra, performs Bach Partita at his debut recital, showcasing his talent.
- Jan 6🏌️ Venturi Wins LA Open – Venturi makes an impressive comeback, finishing with a score of 63 to win the Los Angeles Open by 8 strokes.
- Jan 7🌍 Antarctica Study Revealed – New research supports the theory that a deep trough divides East and West Antarctica, impacting climate studies.
- Jan 8🎾 Olmedo's Australian Triumph – Olmedo, despite injury, defeats Laver in a five-set match to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open.
- Jan 9🇫🇷 De Gaulle Takes Presidency – Charles de Gaulle assumes the presidency, marking the start of the Fifth French Republic with Michel Debré as Premier.
- Jan 10🔬 Pocket Computer Innovation – New pocket computer simplifies load calculations for helicopters, showcasing advancements in technology and engineering.
- Jan 11🏛️ U.S. Judge Ends Ban – A U.S. judge orders a Georgia college to end its ban on Black applicants, setting a significant precedent for civil rights.
- Jan 12🌕 Soviet Moon Mission – Next Soviet shot may orbit the Moon, with a potential launch date set for February 1, featuring a dog and a TV camera.
- Jan 13🔬 Stepped-Up Reactor Program – A.E.C. Advisory Group supports increased funding for atomic power, citing private industry’s inability to manage costs.
- Jan 14🔬 New Pain-Killer Tested – A new painkiller is being tested in the U.S., found to be more effective and safer than morphine.
- Jan 15🏊 Ilsa Konrads Sets Records – Swimmer Ilsa Konrads, 14, sets two world records in freestyle for 1,650 yards and 1,500 meters, marking a significant achievement in sports.
- Jan 16🐌 Extinct Animal Found – 'Extinct' snail ancestor, 300 million years old, dredged up by Columbia scientists in Pacific Ocean.
- Jan 17🔬 Atomic Generator Produced – A 5-pound atomic generator is unveiled, capable of providing power inside satellites, showcasing advancements in nuclear technology.
- Jan 18🚀 Outer Space Stalemate – U.N. discussions on outer space remain stalled as Soviet official Mikoyan confirms a boycott due to disagreements over membership.
- Jan 19🚗 Monte Carlo Run Begins – 300 autos depart from European cities in poor weather for the Monte Carlo Rally, an event focused on accuracy.
- Jan 20🌌 Lunar Eruption Confirmed – U.S. scientists validate a Soviet report of a lunar eruption, marking a significant finding in space research.
- Jan 21🌍 Mikoyan Promotes Peace – Mikoyan expresses hope for peace after his U.S. tour, emphasizing positive impressions to report back to the Kremlin.
- Jan 22🏁 American Teams Rally – U.S. entries Aitken and Elias leave Monte Carlo on the last leg of the rally, showcasing American automotive prowess.
- Jan 23🌊 Floods Displace Thousands – Thousands are left homeless as severe floods and snowstorms sweep across the East and Midwest regions.
- Jan 24🔬 Big Atom Smasher Shown – Soviet Union reveals its largest atom smasher, capable of 10-billion-volt acceleration, showcasing advancements in nuclear physics.
- Jan 25🏔️ Bogner Wins Skiing Debut – Sixteen-year-old German skier Bogner wins the downhill event at St. Moritz, marking a significant debut in international skiing.
- Jan 26✈️ Passenger Jet Record – American Airlines sets a record for coast-to-coast flight with a time of 4 hours, 3 minutes.
- Jan 27🔬 Kitchen Gadgets Aid Disabled – Polio patient demonstrates how kitchen gadgets help her perform chores from a wheelchair.
- Jan 28🚀 First Space Flight Pilots – 110 selected as potential pilots for the nation's first space flight, with rigorous tests planned to narrow the list.
- Jan 29🌍 Satellite Shows Earth – A satellite reveals the Earth appears pear-like, indicating a stronger interior than previously believed.
- Jan 30🌍 Khrushchev Promotes Youth – Khrushchev urges Soviet Congress to support young leaders and remove inefficiencies, suggesting constitutional amendments.
- Jan 31🚢 Ship Strikes Iceberg – Danish vessel carrying 95 people strikes iceberg near Greenland, reported sinking during its first voyage.
Happy Birthday! 1959 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1959 in real headlines. See the 1959 book →
Born in January? Pick the day
Every birthday in January has its own On This Day in Headlines book: