The Vanguard TV3 was launched on December 6, 1957 at Cape Canaveral Kennedy Space Center. It was the first attempt by the United States to put a satellite into orbit around Earth. However, the rocket only rose a few feet before crashing violently back onto the launchpad.
For a complete summary of 1957-1958 space activities, see this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzlLMgYCyGM
