Discover what happened on April 4 in history, along with notable events that shaped civil rights, technology, and music.
What Happened on April 4 in History?
Important events on this day include the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the founding of Microsoft, and The Beatles holding the top five spots on the Billboard chart.
APRIL 4 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1812 – The territory of Orleans became the 18th U.S. state and would become known as Louisiana.
1818 – A plan was passed by Congress that the U.S. flag would have 13 red and white stripes and 20 stars and that a new star would be added for the each new state.
1841 – President William Henry Harrison, at the age of 68, became the first President to die in office. He had been sworn in only a month before he died of pneumonia.
1850 – The city of Los Angeles, CA was incorporated.
1873 – The Kennel Club was founded. It is the oldest and first official registry of purebred dogs in the world.
1887 – Susanna M. Salter became mayor of Argonia, KS, making her the first woman mayor in the U.S.
1896 – A man fishing for salmon near Canada’s Yukon Territory spotted gold nuggets, and sparked the last great gold rush.
1914 – The first known serialized moving picture opened in New York City, NY. It was “The Perils of Pauline”.
1917 – The U.S. Senate voted 90-6 to enter World War I on the Allied side.
1932 – After five years of research, professor C.G. King, of the University of Pittsburgh, isolated vitamin C.
1949 – Twelve nations signed a treaty to create The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
1960 – The movie “Ben Hur” took home 11 Academy Awards at the Oscars. (The only other movies to collect that many Oscars were “Titanic” and the last “Lord of the Rings” film.)
1964 – The Beatles occupied the top five positions on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart.
1967 – Johnny Carson quit “The Tonight Show”. He returned three weeks later after getting a raise of $30,000 a week.
1968 – NASA launched Apollo 6.
1968 – Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, at the age of 39, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN by James Earl Ray.
1969 – Dr. Denton Cooley implanted the first temporary artificial heart.
1971 – Gordie Howe played his last Red Wings game. He started with Detroit in 1946.
1971 – Veterans stadium in Philadelphia, PA, was dedicated this day.
1973 – In New York, NY, the original World Trade Center twin towers opened. At the time they were the tallest building in the world.
1974 – Hank Aaron, of the Atlanta Braves, tied Babe Ruth’s major league baseball home-run record with 714.
1975 – Microsoft was founded as a partnership between Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Albuquerque, NM.
1983 – At Cape Canaveral, FL, the Space Shuttle Challenger took off on its first flight. It was the sixth flight overall for the shuttle program. The mission included the first American space walk in nine years.
1984 – President Ronald Reagan proposed an international ban on chemical weapons.
1986 – Wayne Gretzky set an NHL record with his 213th point of the season.
1987 – The U.S. charged the Soviet Union with wiretapping a U.S. Embassy.
1988 – Arizona Governor Evan Mecham was voted out of office by the Arizona Senate. Mecham was found guilty of diverting state funds to his auto business and of trying to impede an investigation into a death threat to a grand jury witness.
1994 – Marc Andreessen and Jim Clark founded Netscape Communications Corporation under the name Mosaic Communications Corporation.
1999 – The Colorado Rockies and the San Diego Padres played the first major league season opener to be held in Mexico. The Rockies beat the Padres 8-2.
2003 – A colossal squid weighing 330 pounds and measuring 16 feet was found in the Antarctic waters off New Zealand.
2005 – TV’s “ABC World News Tonight” anchor Peter Jennings announced that he had lung cancer. He died four months later.
2013 – The TV show “Hannibal”, based on characters by author Thomas Harris, debuted on NBC.
2014 – The second film in Marvel’s “Captain America: series, “Captain America: Winter Soldier” premiered in theaters.
2019 – Kathie Lee Gifford left NBC’s “Today” show after 11 years.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON APRIL 4:
Bobby Ray Inman – 95 years old (1931) – Admiral and intelligence officer
Clive Davis – 94 years old (1932) – Record producer, founded Arista Records and J Records
Johanna Reiss – 94 years old (1932) – Dutch-American author
JoAnne Carner – 87 years old (1939) – Golfer
Darlene Hooley – 87 years old (1939) – Educator and politician
Kitty Kelley – 84 years old (1942) – Journalist and biographer
Elizabeth Levy – 84 years old (1942) – Author
Bob McDill – 82 years old (1944) – Country music songwriter
Craig T. Nelson – 82 years old (1944) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
Bubba Wyche – 80 years old (1946) – Football player and coach
Shing-Tung Yau – 77 years old (1949) – Chinese-American mathematician and academic
Christine Lahti – 76 years old (1950) – Actress and director
John Hannah – 75 years old (1951) – Football player and coach
Tom Herr – 70 years old (1956) – Baseball player and manager
David E. Kelley – 70 years old (1956) – Screenwriter and producer
Phil Morris – 67 years old (1959) – Actor and screenwriter
Hildi Santo-Tomas – 65 years old (1961) – Interior decorator
A. Michael Baldwin – 63 years old (1963) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter
Jack Del Rio – 63 years old (1963) – Football player and coach
Dr. Chud – 62 years old (1964) – Drummer and singer
Anthony Clark – 62 years old (1964) – Actor
David Cross – 62 years old (1964) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter
Robert Downey Jr. – 61 years old (1965) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter
Nancy McKeon – 60 years old (1966) – Actress
Greg Garcia – 56 years old (1970) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Josh Todd – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and actor
Malik Yusef – 55 years old (1971) – Actor, producer, and poet
John Zandig – 55 years old (1971) – Wrestler and promoter
Jill Scott – 54 years old (1972) – Singer-songwriter and actress
David Blaine – 53 years old (1973) – Magician and producer
Kelly Price – 53 years old (1973) – Singer-songwriter
Pamela Ribon – 51 years old (1975) – Actress, screenwriter, and author
Miranda Lee Richards – 51 years old (1975) – Singer-songwriter
Scott Rolen – 51 years old (1975) – Baseball player
James Roday – 50 years old (1976) – Actor, director, and screenwriter
Keith Bulluck – 49 years old (1977) – Football player and sportscaster
Adam Dutkiewicz – 49 years old (1977) – Guitarist, songwriter, and producer
Omarr Smith – 49 years old (1977) – Football player and coach
Jason Ellison – 48 years old (1978) – Baseball player and scout
Natasha Lyonne – 47 years old (1979) – Actress
Andy McKee – 47 years old (1979) – Guitarist
Eric Steinbach – 46 years old (1980) – Football player
Currensy – 45 years old (1981) – Rapper
Casey Daigle – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player
Justin Cook – 44 years old (1982) – Voice actor and producer
Eric André – 43 years old (1983) – Comedian
Ben Gordon – 43 years old (1983) – Basketball player
Amanda Righetti – 43 years old (1983) – Actress
Sean May – 42 years old (1984) – Basketball player
Cameron Maybin – 39 years old (1987) – Baseball player
Asia Muhammad – 35 years old (1991) – Tennis player
Jamie Lynn Spears – 35 years old (1991) – Actress and singer
Ricky Dillon – 34 years old (1992) – YouTuber and singer
Frank Kaminsky – 33 years old (1993) – Basketball player
Austin Mahone – 30 years old (1996) – Singer-songwriter and actor
Jalen Carter – 25 years old (2001) – Football player
Lil Mabu – 21 years old (2005) – Rapper
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR APRIL 4:
- 404 Day: 404 Day highlights the crucial issue of internet censorship in public schools and libraries. This day underscores the impact of restrictive filtering practices that can limit access to valuable information online. Electronic Frontier Foundation and its partners use 404 Day to draw attention to how these filters often block educational...
- National Vitamin C Day: It’s good for your immune system, it’s good for your mental health, it’s even good for your skin. Don’t neglect this crucial vitamin on Vitamin C Day.
- National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day: Cheese + ham + chicken breast, breaded and fried. Chicken Cordon Bleu exists in many cultures and cuisines in different ways, so find your favorite take on it.
- World Rat Day: Rat owners can take this day to pamper and love their little friends a little extra. Don’t have a rat? Visit one in a pet store, read about them, or watch Ratatouille!
- St. Lazarus Day: St. Lazarus Day is a deeply significant event in the Christian tradition, especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It commemorates the miraculous moment when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, showcasing the divine power over death itself. How to Celebrate St. Lazarus Day Celebrating St. Lazarus Day offers a chance to...
- Jeep 4×4 Day: Imagine a day when Jeep enthusiasts around the globe unite in celebration. This is Jeep 4×4 Day, an occasion built around a simple idea: four-wheel drive is more than a mechanical feature, it is a permission slip for curiosity. The moment a vehicle can send power to all four wheels...
- International Firewalk Day: Firewalking is an ancient practice that relies on skill and confidence to literally walk through fire without getting burned. Learn from an expert—not at home!
- National Love Our Children Day: Children bring light, laughter, and wonder into the world. National Love Our Children Day puts that joy front and center. It’s a day that urges people to pause and truly see the value of young lives. Caring for children isn’t just about meeting needs—it’s about uplifting voices, honoring feelings, and...
- Easter Saturday: Recall the feeling of Easter Saturday, also known as Holy Saturday, which sits quietly between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It’s a day of reflection and waiting, marking the end of Lent. People often find peace and a sense of anticipation during this time. This day invites moments of calm and...
- International Carrot Day: Bake it into a cake, crunch it with some ranch, or cook it up in a butter sauce: the carrot is healthy, tasty, and surprisingly easy to grow for your own.
- National Walk Around Things Day: Most days, you’re forced to face your problems. Stressful. But on Walk Around Things Day, give yourself permission to avoid your problems and enjoy peace.
- Every Day is Tag Day: Every Day is Tag Day reminds us how vital it is to keep our pets safe. This day highlights the importance of equipping pets with ID tags and microchips for their safety and identification. These simple tools can make all the difference if a pet gets lost. A collar with...
- Tangible Karma Day: De-clutter your life and help the planet at the same time, by passing on your less-used items to another. On Tangible Karma Day, it might just come back around.
- World Corporate Health Day: World Corporate Health Day shines a spotlight on the well-being of employees within companies worldwide. This special day emphasizes the importance of both mental and physical health in the workplace. Recognizing that healthy employees are more engaged and productive, organizations are encouraged to create supportive environments. By doing so, they...
- National School Librarian Day: School librarians ignite curiosity, nourish young minds, and guide a world of knowledge, creating lifelong learners.
- Tell a Lie Day: Have a little fun, get creative, and break some rules—just this once—by telling a harmless fib and honing your acting skills on National Tell a Lie Day.
- World Drummer’s Day: Maestros of rhythm, sculpting soundscapes with percussive artistry, their beats infuse life's symphony with pulse and passion.
- National Handmade Day: Supporting local artisans, who craft unique items with care and love, is a great way to appreciate their creativity.
- Victims of Violence Wholly Day: Victims of Violence Wholly Day is a time to think about the people whose lives have been hurt by violence. It’s about more than headlines or history books—it’s about real people who faced fear, pain, and loss. This day also shines a light on leaders like Martin Luther King Jr...
- National Hug a Newsperson Day: Recognizing the efforts of those who keep us informed, shedding light on stories that shape our understanding and perspective.
- International Pillow Fight Day: Let loose and connect with others by joining or organizing a pillow fight. Join your family, roommates, or even your whole community to let the feathers fly.
- National Ramen Day: Nourishing bowls of savory comfort — a culinary delight unveiling layers of intricate flavors with every satisfying slurp.
- Black Saturday: A sacred day in the Philippines of reflection and renewal, honoring a significant event and a time for spiritual connection and unity.
- 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!
- Discover National Parks Fortnight: Discover National Parks Fortnight invites everyone to join in on an adventure - exploring the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of national parks. This fantastic outdoor-themed event spans two weeks each year. This period is the ideal opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors and appreciate the environmental treasures within...
- 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.
- National Robotics Week: National Robotics Week is a vibrant celebration of robots and the people who build them. It invites everyone—from young students to curious grown-ups—to explore how robots shape our world. It sparks curiosity with simple, hands‑on fun. Robots become friends that move, talk, and solve puzzles. The energy of discovery is...
- 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...
Powered by Days Of The Year
For additional information check out websites like: www.on-this-day.com, www.born-today.com, www.famousbirthdays.com, and www.daysoftheyear.com.
