What happened in March 1959?
The top front-page story of each day in March 1959, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Mar 1🏛️ Suez Accord Signed – London and Cairo finalize financial agreement, resolving disputes from the 1956 Suez Canal seizure.
- Mar 2🚗 Japan Exports More Cars – Japan plans to export 3,000 cars to the U.S. in 1959, doubling last year's figures, reflecting growing automotive trade.
- Mar 3🚀 Rocket Launched Successfully – A rocket was launched from Canaveral, with all four stages firing as planned, marking a significant achievement in space exploration.
- Mar 4🌕 Pioneer IV Nears Moon – Pioneer IV spacecraft sends back data as it approaches the Moon, expected to pass within 38,000 miles of the lunar surface.
- Mar 5🌕 Pioneer IV Nears Moon – Pioneer IV passes the Moon, missing its surface by 37,000 miles, and is set to enter a permanent solar orbit.
- Mar 6🎨 Metal Sculpture Exhibit – Miss Lekberg's solo show of welded metal sculptures highlights her primary interest in figures.
- Mar 7📡 Pioneer Radio Fades – Pioneer's radio fades in space after setting a distance record, marking a significant achievement in space exploration.
- Mar 8🔬 U.S., Canada Atom Pact – The U.S. and Canada move closer to an atomic arms agreement, allowing Canada equal say in the use of weapons based in its territory.
- Mar 9🏃♂️ Record Mile Achieved – Delany's 4:01.4 mile marks the season's top race, closing the Garden Track Season on a record note.
- Mar 10🎶 Ford Grants Music Funds – Ford Foundation allocates $130,000 to support 10 artists in performing commissioned works.
- Mar 11🚀 X-15 Rocket Tested – The X-15 rocket plane, designed for manned spaceflight, underwent a successful test flight carried aloft by a B-52 bomber.
- Mar 12🔬 New Penicillins Discovered – Scientist reports 12 new penicillin forms effective against bacteria resistant to natural antibiotics.
- Mar 13🇺🇸 Hawaii Becomes State – Hawaii is voted into the Union as the 50th state, with the House granting final approval, ensuring President Eisenhower's signature.
- Mar 14🌍 U.N. Advances Energy Use – A U.N. survey highlights progress in harnessing energy from solar, wind, and geothermal sources, signaling a shift towards renewable energy.
- Mar 15🌍 Satellite Aids Mapping – Vanguard I satellite assists in correcting Earth's maps, enhancing geographical accuracy and distance estimations.
- Mar 16🌍 Phone Cable Link Begun – First intercontinental phone cable from France to Newfoundland marks a significant advancement in global communications.
- Mar 17🏛️ 120,000 Irish March – St. Patrick's Parade starts at noon in New York City, with fair weather expected for the large turnout.
- Mar 18🔬 Reactor Fired Up – First specialized reactor for medical use is operational in Brookhaven, marking a significant advancement in medical research.
- Mar 19🔬 Miro Retrospective Opens – A retrospective of artist Joan Miro featuring paintings, ceramics, and graphic work opens at the Modern Museum.
- Mar 20🌊 Submarines Set Record – Trout and Harder establish a record for diesel submarines, traveling 280 miles under Arctic ice.
- Mar 21🏺 Historic Glass Beaker Sale – A 15th-century glass beaker sells for $12,880 at a London auction, setting a record for Venetian cups and showcasing art market trends.
- Mar 22🌍 U.N. Role in Berlin – The U.N. is seen as a potential framework for negotiations amid the ongoing Berlin crisis and policing agreements.
- Mar 23📺 Fall-Out Report to UN – U.S. data on Strontium 90 may influence scientific discussions at the United Nations opening today.
- Mar 24🌍 Land Mass Found – Soviet soundings reveal a significant land mass under Antarctica, indicating it is not solely composed of islands.
- Mar 25🔭 Observatory Set Up – Universities of Chile, Texas, and Chicago will build an observatory near Santiago to enhance astronomical research.
- Mar 26🏌️ Spain's Top Pro Ready – Little Angel Miguel practices for Augusta Golf Masters, driving 250 yards consistently after three hours daily.
- Mar 27🏀 Lakers Win Playoff Game – Lakers rally to defeat Hawks 108-98, overcoming a 19-point deficit with Baylor's standout performance.
- Mar 28🔬 Outer Radiation Traced – Scientists find outer radiation is caused by solar gas, differing on the origin of the inner radiation belt.
- Mar 29🎨 Art Exhibit Opens – 220 artists participate in a major exhibit at the Coliseum, showcasing a wide view of U.S. painting and sculpture.
- Mar 30🔬 Radio Waves Affect Cells – Research shows radio waves can alter genetic material in plants, impacting cell behavior and organization.
- Mar 31🌍 Atomic Ban Rally – A large rally in London calls for a halt to nuclear arms production, concluding a 53-mile march advocating for peace.
Happy Birthday! 1959 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1959 in real headlines. See the 1959 book →
Born in March? Pick the day
Every birthday in March has its own On This Day in Headlines book: