32 Fun Facts About March 4: This Day in History

ByKim Richmond Hours Updated Categories Time & Calendar

Facts about March 4 reveal a date deeply intertwined with American democracy, most notably serving as the nation’s presidential inauguration day for nearly 150 years.

From groundbreaking technological achievements to significant cultural milestones, this day has witnessed events that continue to influence our modern world. Want to explore this day’s historical events? Let’s begin.

March 4 Facts At-a-Glance

Historical Significance: Traditional Presidential Inauguration Day (1789-1937)
Famous Birthdays: Antonio Vivaldi (1678), Knute Rockne (1888), George Gamow (1904)
Cultural Observances: National Grammar Day
Notable Events: Vermont becomes 14th state (1791), FDR’s “fear itself” inaugural (1933)
Scientific Achievement: Berliner patents microphone (1877)
Entertainment Milestone: “Four Weddings and a Funeral” premieres (1994)
Numerological Position: 63rd day of the year
Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Historical Events and Turning Points

March 4 stands as a crucial date in American political history, marking significant transitions of power and fundamental changes in governance throughout the years.

  1. Vermont joined the United States as its 14th state on March 4, 1791, expanding the young nation’s territory in New England.
  2. On March 4, 1793, George Washington delivered his second inaugural address, the shortest in U.S. history at just 135 words.
  3. On March 4, 1801, Thomas Jefferson became the first president to be inaugurated in Washington, D.C., establishing a tradition that would continue for over a century.
  4. The city of Chicago achieved an important milestone on March 4, 1837, when Illinois lawmakers granted it an official charter.
  5. On March 4, 1861, Abraham Lincoln delivered his first inaugural address, attempting to prevent the Civil War by assuring Southern states he wouldn’t interfere with slavery where it existed.
  6. On March 4, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his famous “nothing to fear but fear itself” inaugural address during the height of the Great Depression, marking the last presidential inauguration held on March 4.
  7. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index made its debut on March 4, 1957, revolutionizing how investors tracked the U.S. stock market.

Cultural Impact and Celebrations

The fourth day of March has witnessed significant cultural developments and celebrations that continue to influence society and the arts.

  1. Scotland’s engineering prowess was showcased on March 4, 1890, with the inauguration of the Forth Bridge, an architectural marvel that continues to serve rail transport today.
  2. On March 4, 1952, Ernest Hemingway completed his manuscript for ‘The Old Man and the Sea,’ which would win the Pulitzer Prize.
  3. Queen Elizabeth II honored cinema pioneer Charlie Chaplin with a knighthood on March 4, 1975, recognizing his lifetime contribution to film.
  4. On March 4, 1978, the Chicago Daily News, published continuously for 103 years, printed its final edition.
  5. On March 4, 1994, John Candy, beloved comedian and actor, passed away, leaving a lasting legacy in comedy entertainment through films like “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” and “Uncle Buck.”
  6. March 4, 2000 marked a gaming milestone when Sony launched the PlayStation 2 in Japan, beginning the era of one of gaming’s most successful consoles.
  7. On March 4, 2004, National Grammar Day was established in the United States, promoting awareness of proper grammar usage and linguistic education.

Notable Births and Achievements

March 4 has marked the birth of influential figures who have left indelible marks on fields ranging from sports and entertainment to literature and science.

  1. On March 4, 1678, Antonio Vivaldi was born in Venice, Italy. The composer would go on to create “The Four Seasons” and influence classical music for centuries to come.
  2. On March 4, 1888, Knute Rockne was born in Voss, Norway. He would become one of college football’s most legendary coaches at Notre Dame, revolutionizing the sport with his innovative strategies.
  3. On March 4, 1904, George Gamow was born in Odessa, Russian Empire. The theoretical physicist and cosmologist would make significant contributions to our understanding of the Big Bang theory.
  4. On March 4, 1928, Alan Sillitoe was born in Nottingham, England. The author would become a key figure in British literature with works like “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning.”
  5. On March 4, 1946, James Ellroy was born in Los Angeles. The crime fiction writer would go on to create influential works like “L.A. Confidential” and “The Black Dahlia.”

Scientific and Technological Milestones

March 4 marks several significant advances in science and technology that have transformed our understanding and capabilities.

  1. On March 4, 1986, the Soviet space probe Vega 1 made its closest approach to Halley’s Comet, providing valuable data about this celestial object.
  2. On March 4, 1877, communication technology took a leap forward when Emile Berliner received the patent for his groundbreaking microphone design.
  3. On March 4, 2002, scientists announced the discovery of the oldest known star in the Milky Way, estimated to be 13.2 billion years old, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe’s age.

Sports and Entertainment History

The world of sports and entertainment has witnessed remarkable achievements and memorable moments on March 4.

  1. On March 4, 1966, John Lennon’s controversial ‘more popular than Jesus’ remark was first published in the London Evening Standard.
  2. On March 4, 1968, Joe Frazier won the heavyweight boxing championship, becoming the first American Olympic gold medalist to capture the professional heavyweight title.
  3. On March 4, 1990, the Los Angeles Lakers retired Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s No. 33 jersey, honoring the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
  4. The British romantic comedy “Four Weddings and a Funeral” premiered on March 4, 1994, achieving unprecedented box office success for a UK film.

Political and Social Movements

March 4 has witnessed significant political decisions and social movements that have shaped nations and human rights.

  1. On March 4, 1917, Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first woman to serve in Congress, taking her seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  2. On March 4, 1925, President Calvin Coolidge’s inauguration became the first to be broadcast nationally by radio.
  3. On March 4, 1960, the French freighter La Coubre exploded in Havana harbor, marking a significant moment in Cuban-French relations during the Cold War.

Modern Significance and Observances

Today, March 4 continues to hold special significance through various observances and contemporary celebrations.

  1. National Grammar Day, established in 2008, continues to promote proper language usage and communication skills through educational initiatives and social media campaigns.
  2. March 4 marks International HPV Awareness Day, focusing attention on education about the human papillomavirus.
  3. National Pound Cake Day celebrates this classic dessert every March 4.

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