Discover what happened on April 3 in history, along with notable events that shaped communication, transportation, and technology.
What Happened on April 3 in History?
Important events on this day include the first handheld mobile phone call, the launch of the Pony Express, and the release of the first Apple iPad.
APRIL 3 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1776 – George Washington received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Harvard College .
1829 – James Carrington patented the coffee mill.
1848 – A small town in the state of Michigan, that had also been called Michigan, was renamed Lansing, Michigan.
1860 – The first Pony Express riders left St. Joseph, MO and Sacramento, CA. The trip across country took about 10 days. The Pony Express only lasted about a year and a half.
1866 – Rudolph Eickemeyer and G. Osterheld patented a blocking and shaping machine for hats.
1882 – The American outlaw Jesse James was shot in the back and killed by Robert Ford for a $5,000 reward. There was later controversy over whether it was actually Jesse James that had been killed.
1910 – Alaska’s Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain in North America, was climbed.
1933 – First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt informed newspaper reporters that beer would be served at the White House. This followed the March 22 legislation that legalized “3.2” beer.
1933 – Michigan approved the 21st Amendment, repealing prohibition.
1936 – Richard Bruno Hauptmann was executed for the kidnapping and death of the son of pilot Charles and Anne Lindbergh.
1940 – Isle Royale National Park was established.
1942 – The Japanese began their all-out assault on the U.S. and Filipino troops at Bataan.
1953 – “TV Guide” magazine was published for the first time.
1956 – A deadly tornado twisted through Standale and Grand Rapids, MI. It left 307 injured and 19 dead. It caused $11 million in damages. It was only the second F-5 tornado to ever hit Michigan. Read more about it here.
1959 – The BBC banned the Coasters song “Charlie Brown” because of the word “spitball”. Two weeks later the BBC changed its position on the song.
1968 – Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “mountaintop” speech just 24 hours before he was assassinated.
1969 – The TV show “Star Trek” was cancelled. It had the best of its three seasons in 1966, but still only reached #62 in the ratings.
1973 – Martin Cooper of Motorola made the first handheld mobile phone call to Joel S. Engel of Bell Labs, though it took ten years for the DynaTAC 8000X to become the first such phone to be commercially released.
1974 – The Super Outbreak occurs, the second biggest tornado outbreak in recorded history (after the April 25-28, 2011 tornado outbreak). The death toll is 315, with nearly 5,500 injured.
1979 – Jane Byrne became the first female mayor in Chicago, IL.
1981 – The Osborne 1, the first successful portable computer, was unveiled at the West Coast Computer Faire in San Francisco, CA.
1982 – John Chancellor stepped down as anchor of the TV’s “The NBC Nightly News”. Roger Mudd and Tom Brokaw became the co-anchors of the show.
1986 – The U.S. national debt hit $2 trillion.
1987 – The movie “Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol” premiered in theaters. There ended up being seven “Police Academy” movies.
1989 – Pepsi dismissed Madonna as a spokesperson after her “Like a Prayer” video was called “blasphemous” by the Vatican.
1992 – The movie “Beethoven”, starring Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt in a story about a St. Bernard dog, premiered in theaters.
1996 – Unabomber suspect Theodore Kaczynski was arrested in a cabin in Montana. He pleaded guilty in January 1998 to five Unabomber attacks in exchange for a life sentence without chance for parole.
1998 – The Dow Jones industrial average climbed above 9,000 for the first time.
2000 – A U.S. Federal judge ruled that Microsoft had violated U.S. antitrust laws by keeping “an oppressive thumb” on its competitors. Microsoft said that they would appeal the ruling.
2000 – The Nasdaq set a one-day record when it lost 349.15 points to close at 4,233.68.
2008 – Apple became the number one music seller in the United States.
2008 – ATA Airlines, once one of the ten largest U.S. passenger airlines and largest charter airline, filed for bankruptcy for the second time in five years and ceased all operations.
2010 – The first Apple iPad was released.
2009 – The movie “Fast & Furious” opened in theaters.
2014 – David Letterman announced that he would be retiring from TV’s “The Late Show”.
2020 – The White House and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) began advising people to wear face coverings in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON APRIL 3:
Bob Dornan – 93 years old (1933) – Politician
Jeff Barry – 88 years old (1938) – Singer-songwriter, and producer
Paul Craig Roberts – 87 years old (1939) – Economist and politician
Marsha Mason – 84 years old (1942) – Actress
Wayne Newton – 84 years old (1942) – Singer
Tony Orlando – 82 years old (1944) – Singer
Doon Arbus – 81 years old (1945) – Author and journalist
Mitch Woods – 75 years old (1951) – Singer-songwriter and pianist
Mike Moore – 74 years old (1952) – Lawyer and politician
Sandra Boynton – 73 years old (1953) – Author and illustrator
James Smith – 73 years old (1953) – Boxer
Alec Baldwin – 68 years old (1958) – Actor, comedian, producer and television host
Adam Gussow – 68 years old (1958) – Scholar, musician, and memoirist
David Hyde Pierce – 67 years old (1959) – Actor and activist
Eddie Murphy – 65 years old (1961) – Actor and comedian
Dave Miley – 64 years old (1962) – Baseball player and manager
Mike Ness – 64 years old (1962) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Cat Cora – 59 years old (1967) – Chef and author
Pervis Ellison – 59 years old (1967) – Basketball player
Rodney Hampton – 57 years old (1969) – Football player
Picabo Street – 55 years old (1971) – Skier
Jennie Garth – 54 years old (1972) – Actress and director
Adam Scott – 53 years old (1973) – Actor
Marcus Brown – 52 years old (1974) – Basketball player
Shawn Bates – 51 years old (1975) – Ice hockey player
Michael Olowokandi – 51 years old (1975) – Nigerian-American basketball player
Aries Spears – 51 years old (1975) – Comedian and actor
Tommy Haas – 48 years old (1978) – German-American tennis player
Megan Rohrer – 46 years old (1980) – Pastor and transgender activist
Aaron Bertram – 45 years old (1981) – Trumpet player
DeShawn Stevenson – 45 years old (1981) – Basketball player
Jared Allen – 44 years old (1982) – Football player
Amanda Bynes – 40 years old (1986) – Actress
Stephanie Cox – 40 years old (1986) – Soccer player
Rachel Bloom – 39 years old (1987) – Actress, writer, and producer
Jay Bruce – 39 years old (1987) – Baseball player
Jason Kipnis – 39 years old (1987) – Baseball player
Julie Sokolow – 39 years old (1987) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Kam Chancellor – 38 years old (1988) – Football player
Brandon Graham – 38 years old (1988) – Football player
Madison Brengle – 36 years old (1990) – Tennis player
Hayley Kiyoko – 35 years old (1991) – Actress and singer
Dylann Roof – 32 years old (1994) – Mass murderer
Paris Jackson – 28 years old (1998) – Actress, model and singer
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR APRIL 3:
- Don’t Go to Work Unless It’s Fun Day: Have you ever wished for a day when work feels less like a chore and more like a choice? That’s the spirit behind “Don’t Go to Work Unless It’s Fun Day.” This lighthearted occasion encourages individuals to pause and assess how they actually feel about their work, not just how they...
- National Inspiring Joy Day: National Inspiring Joy Day invites everyone to pause and embrace happiness in a way that feels doable, not daunting. It encourages people to notice the good that already exists in ordinary life and then gently pass that feeling along, like handing someone a warm mug on a chilly morning. Whether it’s...
- World Party Day: Gather together and let the festivities commence on this day of connection, fun, and letting loose for no other reason than that we’re all human, and like to party.
- Pony Express Day: Attend a Pony Express Festival and learn about the brave, hard-working souls who acted as the only mail service in America before the Post Office even existed.
- Walk to Work Day: Good for your physical health, good for your mental health, good for the planet. Take some extra time in the morning to walk to work and reap all these benefits.
- Fish Fingers and Custard Day: In honor of the now-famous (among fans, at least) “fish fingers and custard” scene of Doctor Who, take your tastebuds on an adventure.
- World Aquatic Animal Day: Did you know the ocean contains about a million different species? Learn about marine life, visit an aquarium, or raise awareness about the threats to the ocean.
- American Circus Day: American Circus Day celebrates the vibrant world of big tops, daring acts, and colorful performers. It honors the spirit of the traveling shows that once brought joy to towns across the country. From acrobats soaring through the air to clowns eliciting laughter, the circus has long been a source of...
- Weed Out Hate Day: Think of a garden where hate grows like weeds. Weed Out Hate Day asks us to pull those weeds and plant kindness instead. This day uses a simple idea: remove what's harmful, grow what helps. Just like in soil, our thoughts and actions shape what thrives. Tossing out anger or...
- World Marbles Day: If you have at least once played marbles, you'll know the thrill of knocking them out of a ring. World Marbles Day celebrates this excitement, bringing together enthusiasts from around the world. People of all ages gather to share their skills and enjoy the friendly competition. This vibrant event turns...
- National Chocolate Mousse Day: Rich, creamy, fluffy, chocolatey…make your own chocolate mousse and add coffee, vanilla, or even rum, and treat yourself to the decadent dessert. Guilt-free.
- World Cloud Security Day: World Cloud Security Day is like a lighthouse helping us break through a dense fog of, well, clouds. It's a time when the invisible cloud-based threats we too often ignore become visible. The day also reminds about the sometimes forgotten idea of ironclad security in our cloud-based adventures. This day...
- National Tweed Day: Channel your inner early-to-mid-20th-Century Professor by wearing a tweed suit, jacket, and/or trousers. Add a bowtie, pipe, and tweed hat to complete the look.
- National Find a Rainbow Day: Go on a rainbow-hunt, make some rainbow crafts, or simply read about the science and discovery of the beautiful arc that represents so many different things.
- Independent Artist Day™: Unleashing creativity, free spirits weave vibrant tales, shaping worlds, crafting beauty that resonates beyond the confines of creation.
- National Film Score Day: Melodies weaving emotions, enhancing cinematic narratives—immersing listeners in the unseen, a symphony that tells untold tales.
- Good Friday: Observed in remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus, this significant event is usually marked by church services and solemn reflections.
- Pharaohs’ Golden Parade: The Pharaohs' Golden Parade was a breathtaking event that captivated viewers around the world. On this special day, 22 royal mummies were transported through the streets of Cairo in a grand, ceremonial procession. The parade highlighted Egypt’s ancient history, showcasing the magnificence of its past kings and queens. Each detail...
- March Madness: Get your game face on for March Madness! This high-energy tournament is a slam dunk of excitement, passion, and heart-pumping action. So grab your team colors, gear up for the showdown, and let the madness begin!
- Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
- FOP Awareness Month: Raising awareness for a rare condition, efforts unite to support those facing the challenges of Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
- International Pooper Scooper Week: Get ready to grab your gloves and bags because International Pooper Scooper Week is here! Every year, from April 1st to 7th, this unique event unites dog lovers worldwide to tackle a stinky problem—pet waste. This week serves as a lively reminder of our responsibilities as pet owners, pushing us...
- NanoDays: NanoDays celebrates the fascinating world of nanotechnology through hands-on activities and engaging displays, sparking curiosity for learners of all ages. This nationwide event, organized by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network, invites families and communities to explore how nanoscale science shapes future innovations in fields like medicine, electronics, and environmental...
- Laugh at Work Week: Laughing promotes connection, ease, and energy. It lifts moods, clears tension, and helps people feel more at home with each other. During Laugh at Work Week, offices buzz with jokes, playful chats, and shared smiles. This shift brings teams closer in simple, human ways. Even a short burst of laughter...
- National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...
- Semana Santa: Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a profound time of reflection and devotion in many Christian communities. Streets come alive with solemn processions, participants carry religious icons, and traditional music fills the air. This period focuses on the final days of Jesus Christ, drawing believers together in shared faith and contemplation...
- Passover Begins: Among the most solemn and meaningful observances in the Jewish calendar, Passover marks the beginning of an eight-day journey. This holiday, known as Pesach in Hebrew, commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. The term "Passover" refers to the divine act of sparing the Israelites during the final plague...
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