From daring voyages across the Atlantic to milestones in American history, this date has witnessed events that continue to shape our world. Instead, his voyage led to the European discovery of the Americas later that year, forever changing the course of world history. The USS Nautilus Reaches the North Pole (1958)On August 3, 1958, the nuclear-powered submarine USS Nautilus became the first vessel to travel beneath the geographic North Pole. 1958 – USS Nautilus becomes the first vessel to reach the North Pole underwater. – USS Nautilus becomes the first vessel to reach the North Pole underwater.