September 24, 1957 – President Dwight Eisenhower ordered the National Guard to enforce racial integration of schools in Little Rock, Arkansas.
September 26, 1960 – For the first time in U.S. history, a debate between major party presidential candidates is shown on television. Democrat John F. Kennedy and Republican Richard M. Nixon square off at the studios of WBBM-TV in Chicago. Kennedy’s favorable appearance and demeanor on camera are credited with helping boost his campaign and ultimate election victory.
September 27, 1825 – George Stephenson’s “Locomotion No. 1” becomes the first steam locomotive to carry passengers on a public rail line, the Stockton and Darlington Railway in England.
September 30, 1955 – Actor James Dean was killed in a car crash in California at age 24. Although he made just three major movies, he remains one of the film industry’s most influential actors.