60+ Unforgettable Things That Happened in the 1960s
Take a journey through a few of the highs (and lows) of a decade that changed everything.
The 1960s was a time of upheaval in virtually every part of American culture. From music to civil rights, here are just some of the noteworthy events that went down during this incredible decade.
1960: A New Low
On January 23, Navy Lt. Donald Walsh and Jacques Piccard descend to the bottom of the Mariana Trench (the lowest place on earth) in the submersible the Trieste.
1960: A Star Is Placed
Though it's difficult to think of Hollywood without it, the first star appears on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 9. The honor goes to Joanne Woodward.
1960: We'll Always Love Lucy
It's the end of the I Love Lucy franchise on March 2, when Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz divorce. Yet, they still spoke post-divorce. Here, Desi congratulates Lucille on her Broadway debut in Wildcat.
1960: Peaceful Protests
After six months of sit-ins, the Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, becomes desegregated on July 25.
1960: A New Sports Icon
At the 1960 Summer Olympics, Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) wins the gold medal in light-heavyweight boxing.
1960: The TV Era of Politics
Millions tune in on September 26 for the first-ever televised debate. Though those listening on the radio thought Vice President Richard Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy's performances were equal, the 70-million television viewers preferred Kennedy.
1960: Stoneage Sitcom
Fred, Wilma, Betty and Barney make their debut on The Flintstones, which premieres on September 30.
1961: Breaking a Record
Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees captivate the country in their pursuit of Babe Ruth's then record-60 home runs in a season. Maris would hit #61 on the last game of the season.
1961: Dream Date
On March 11, 1961, Barbie's boyfriend Ken makes his debut.
1961: Pop Star
In April, Bonwit Teller exhibits five paintings made by an artist who helped produce its window displays. His name: Andy Warhol. Here's the artist at his townhouse in 1966, a property he bought in 1960.
1961: A Future Princess
On July 1, Diana Spencer is born in Sandringham, United Kingdom. Here's the future princess on her 1st birthday.
1961: A Future President
On August 4, President Barack Obama is born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Thirty years later, he'd graduate from Harvard Law School.
1961: Groundbreaking Gourmet
After years of work, Mastering The Art Of French Cooking is published in September. The cookbook isn't just a hit — it'll be a bestseller for 5 years and make a star out of Julia Child. Her TV show, The French Chef, would premiere in 1962.
1961: A New Favorite TV Couple
We're simply charmed by Rob and Laura Petrie (and their fabulous suburban home) when The Dick Van Dyke Show makes its debut on CBS, October 3.
1962: Dylan Debuts
Bob Dylan's eponymous first album is released on March 19. Fun fact: The album took only two afternoons to record.
1962: A Single Girl's Best Friend
In May, Helen Gurley Brown publishes Sex and the Single Girl, a lifestyle guide for working single women. It was incredibly well-received, selling two million copies in the first three weeks.
1962: Goodbye, Norma Jean
Millions of fans are shocked to hear the news that Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her home on August 5.
1962: A Tennis Record
On September 2, Rod Laver becomes the third tennis player to earn the "Calendar Grand Slam" by winning all four prestigious major tournaments in the same year.
1962: Come Fly With Me
Jet-age glamour arrives in New York when the TWA Flight Center, designed by Eero Saarinen, opens this year. Sadly, Saarinen would never see his long-term project debut — he died of a brain tumor in 1961.
1962: Here's Johnny!
On October 1, Groucho Marx introduces the new host of The Tonight Show: Johnny Carson. His first guests are Joan Crawford, Rudy Vallee and The Phoenix Singers.
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