January 7 - The first photograph of genes is taken at the University of Southern California by Dr. Daniel Chapin Pease and Dr. Richard Freligh Baker.
January 11 - The cornerstone is laid for the first U.S. mosque, called the Islamic Center, in Washington, D.C.
January 31 - "These Are My Children" is the first serial daytime soap opera shown on television.
February 1 - A Presidential proclamation establishes National Freedom Day to celebrate the signing of the 13th Constitutional Amendment abolishing slavery.
February 10 - Arthur Miller's play Death of a Salesman, opens at the Morosco Theatre in New York.
April 3 - The North Atlantic Treaty, which calls for a mutual defense pact between the U.S., Great Britain, France and Canada, is signed.
June 3 - The first female treasurer of the U.S Department of the Treasury is G. N. Clark.
June 29 - The last U.S. troops leave Korea.
July 21 - The first woman Treasurer of the U.S. takes office.
August 10 - The Department of Defense is created under the National Security Act.
August 11 - General Omar Bradley becomes chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
October 1 - The U.S. refuses to acknowledge the Communist Chinese government under Mao Tse Tung.
October 24 - The United Nations Headquarters in New York City is dedicated.
