Major Historical Events on January 4 – Today in History

January 4th is a day that has witnessed a variety of significant historical events shaping various aspects of global culture, politics, and science. From groundbreaking scientific achievements and pivotal political moments to cultural milestones and technological advancements, this date reflects the diverse tapestry of human history. Each event on January 4th offers a unique glimpse into the past, helping to understand the forces that have shaped the world as it is today. Here’s a look at some Major Historical Events on January 4 – Today in History.

1642: English Parliament Attacked

King Charles I of England led an unsuccessful attempt to arrest five members of Parliament, escalating tensions that led to the English Civil War. This bold move marked a significant breakdown in relations between the monarchy and Parliament.

1843: Delft’s Royal Academy Opens

The Royal Academy of Delft, later known as the Technical University of Delft, was established. It became one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the Netherlands.

1847: Brontë Manuscripts Sent

Emily and Anne Brontë, two prominent English novelists and poets, sent their manuscripts for “Wuthering Heights” and “Agnes Grey” to publisher Thomas Cautley Newby. These works would become classic English literature.

1847: Colt’s First Revolver Sale

Samuel Colt sold his first revolver to the United States government, revolutionizing firearms with his patented revolving cylinder design. This significant sale marked the beginning of Colt’s influence on American weaponry.

1865: NYSE Permanent Headquarters

The New York Stock Exchange opened its first permanent headquarters at 10-12 Broad Street, near Wall Street in New York City. This establishment provided a centralized location for traders and became an iconic symbol of America’s financial strength.

1868: “The Moonstone” Serialized

Wilkie Collins’ novel “The Moonstone” began serialization in “All the Year Round,” a literary magazine owned by Charles Dickens. Considered one of the first detective novels in English.

1885: First American Appendectomy

Dr. William Grant of Iowa performed the first appendectomy in America on a 22-year-old woman named Mary Gartside. This pioneering surgery marked a significant advancement in medical procedures.

1887: Around-the-World Bicycle Journey

Thomas Stevens completed the first bicycle journey around the world. Starting and ending in San Francisco, his adventurous trip on a high-wheeler bicycle showcased the potential of this new mode of transportation.

1915: Idaho’s Jewish Governor

Moses Alexander took office as the governor of Idaho, becoming the first elected Jewish governor in the United States. His election marked a significant moment in American politics.

1923: “Barn Dance Show” Broadcast

The “Barn Dance Show,” later known as the Grand Ole Opry, made its radio debut on WBAP in Fort Worth, Texas. This show would become a cornerstone of American country music, launching the careers of numerous legendary performers.

1935: Bob Hope’s Radio Debut

Comedian Bob Hope made his first network radio appearance as part of “The Intimate Revue.” This marked the beginning of Hope’s illustrious career in entertainment, spanning radio, television, and film.

1939: First Woman Dean Elected

Frieda Wunderlich was elected the first woman dean of a U.S. graduate school, marking a significant step forward for women in academia. Her appointment broke traditional gender barriers in higher education.

1942: Hornsby Hall of Fame Induction

Rogers Hornsby, a seven-time National League batting champion, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His induction recognized his outstanding contributions and achievements in baseball.

1944: First African American State Official

Ralph Bunche was appointed the first African American official in the U.S. State Department. His role as a diplomat reflected the increasing involvement and recognition of African Americans in international affairs.

1947: Technetium Element Announced

Emilio Segrè and Carlo Perrier announced the discovery of technetium, the first artificially synthesized chemical element. This groundbreaking achievement filled a gap in the periodic table.

1958: Hillary’s South Pole Reach

New Zealand explorer Edmund Hillary and his team became the first to reach the South Pole overland using motor vehicles since Roald Amundsen in 1911 and Robert Falcon Scott in 1912.

1959: Luna 1 Leaves Gravity

The Soviet Union’s Luna 1 became the first spacecraft to reach the vicinity of the Moon and the first to escape Earth’s gravity. This pioneering mission marked a significant milestone in space exploration.

1962: First Automated Subway Train

New York City introduced the first automated subway train, marking a new era in public transportation. This innovation aimed to increase efficiency and safety in the subway system and represented a significant step forward in the use of technology.

1968: Whooping Crane Shot

A rare whooping crane was accidentally shot by a duck hunter in Texas, highlighting the vulnerability of this endangered species. The incident drew attention to the need for conservation efforts.

1971: Virgin Islands’ Elected Governor

Dr. Melvin H. Evans was inaugurated as the first elected governor of the Virgin Islands, transitioning from an appointed to an elected position. His leadership marked a new chapter in the territory’s political development.

1972: First Female Old Bailey Judge

Rose Heilbron became the first female judge to sit at the Old Bailey, London’s central criminal court. Her appointment broke centuries of male dominance in the judiciary and paved the way for greater gender equality in the legal profession.

1975: NHL’s First Criminal Assault Indictment

Boston Bruins’ Dave Forbes faced the first criminal assault indictment in NHL history for excessive violence during a game. This landmark legal case spotlighted the issue of on-ice violence.

1977: First Woman TV Announcer

Mary Shane was hired by the Chicago White Sox as the first woman TV play-by-play announcer, breaking gender barriers in sports broadcasting. Her pioneering role opened doors for future generations of women.

1984: Dantley’s Free Throw Record

Adrian Dantley set an NBA record by converting 28 of 29 free throws in a single game, matching Wilt Chamberlain’s achievement. This remarkable display of skill and concentration highlighted his prowess as one of the game’s best shooters.

1989: Comet Tempel at Perihelion

Comet Tempel reached its closest point to the Sun (perihelion), providing astronomers and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to observe and study this celestial body. Such events offer valuable insights into the composition.

1989: Bush Declares Presidency

George H.W. Bush was inaugurated as the 41st President of the United States, following his tenure as Vice President. His ascension marked a continuation of Republican leadership.

1991: Youngest World Champion Diver

At just 12 years old, Chinese diver Fu Mingxia won the 10m platform gold at the World Swimming Championships in Perth, Australia. Her victory made her the youngest world champion in any aquatic event.

1993: Tokyo Dome Wrestling Record

A wrestling event at Tokyo Dome set a record attendance for the sport, reflecting its growing popularity and cultural significance in Japan. The event featured some of the biggest names in wrestling.

1992: Parish’s NBA Blocks Milestone

Boston Celtics’ Robert Parish became the fifth player in NBA history to register 2,000 career blocks, cementing his reputation as one of the game’s greatest defensive players.

1998: Massive Ice Storm Hits

A massive ice storm struck eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, causing widespread destruction and power outages. The severe weather event was one of the worst in history.

1999: First BCS National Championship

The first BCS National Championship in college football was held, determining the national champion of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. Tennessee defeated Florida State in a closely contested game.

2000: Belichick Resigns from Jets

Bill Belichick made a stunning move by resigning as head coach of the New York Jets just one day after accepting the position. His decision led to his eventual hiring by the New England Patriots.

2001: Jordan’s 30,000th Point

Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, reached a significant milestone by scoring his 30,000th career point. This achievement further solidified his legacy as a scoring powerhouse and an icon in the world of sports.

2004: Spirit Rover Lands on Mars

NASA’s Spirit Rover successfully landed on Mars, beginning its mission to explore the Martian surface and search for signs of past water activity. The rover’s discoveries contributed greatly to our understanding of the Red Planet’s geology.

2005: Gilchrist’s Record Century

Adam Gilchrist, the Australian cricket wicketkeeper, set a new record by scoring his 17th Test century, the most by any wicketkeeper in cricket history. His aggressive and impactful batting redefined the role of wicketkeepers in the game.

2010: Burj Khalifa Opens

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai officially opened, becoming the world’s tallest building at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet). This architectural marvel features luxury apartments, offices, and the Armani Hotel, setting new standards for engineering and design.

2015: Anderson Wins Darts Championship

Gary Anderson of Scotland clinched his first PDC World Darts Championship, defeating 16-time world champion Phil Taylor. Anderson’s victory in a thrilling final showcased his precision and composure under pressure.

2018: Salah Named African Player

Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool and Egyptian forward, was honored as the African Football Player of the Year. His exceptional performances and goal-scoring prowess earned him this prestigious recognition, highlighting his impact on the sport.

2019: Tropical Storm Pabuk Landfall

Tropical Storm Pabuk made landfall on Thailand’s east coast, becoming the worst storm to hit the country in three decades. It caused significant damage and disruption, emphasizing the region’s vulnerability to severe weather events.

2021: Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine Rollout

The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine began its rollout to the general public, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the pandemic.

2021: South Korea’s Population Decline

For the first time, South Korea recorded more deaths than births, highlighting the country’s declining population and the challenges associated with an aging society. This demographic shift has significant implications for the nation’s economy.

2022: Canada’s Indigenous Settlement

The Canadian government announced a historic settlement to address and compensate for the injustices in the Indigenous child welfare system. This agreement represents a significant commitment to reconciliation of Indigenous communities in Canada..

2022: Toyota Tops US Sales

Toyota became the first foreign automaker to top U.S. car sales, outperforming General Motors. This milestone was partly due to supply chain issues affecting other manufacturers.

Also Read: Major Historical Events on December 30 – Today in History