Daily Archives: July 30, 2014

Elvis Presley makes professional debut in Memphis 60 years ago this hour (July 30 1954)


Image: 'Elvis Presley - Backstage at the Overton Park Shell, Friday, July 30, 1954'

(Friday, July 30, 1954, 8:00 p.m. local time) — Elvis Presley made his professional debut in Memphis. It was his first concert to be advertised.

Federals blow up a tunnel to break Confederate lines at Petersburg, Virginia 150 years ago this hour (July 30 1864)


Video: 'Voices of the Civil War Episode 30: "Battle of the Crater"'

(Saturday, July 30, 1864, 4:44 a.m. local time; during the Battle of the Crater, part of the American Civil War) — Union forces tried to take Petersburg, Virginia, today by exploding a gunpowder-laden mine shaft that had been dug out beneath Confederate defense lines; the attack failed.