Charles Lindbergh
b. 1902
American pilot and explorer
On This Day · The 35th day of the year
February 4
February 4 carries 10 recorded events spanning between 960 and 2004. Zhao Kuangyin declares himself Emperor Taizu of Song, ending the Later Zhou and beginning the Song dynasty.
Compiled & reviewed by Roman Tailor · Last reviewed July 13, 2026
What happened on February 4?
February 4 is the 35th day of the year. It marks 10 notable events in history, dated between 960 and 2004. Famous people born on February 4 include Charles Lindbergh, Ludwig Erhard and Friedrich Ebert.
The shape of the day
This year marks the 225th anniversary of John Marshall — February 4 carries the weight of round numbers. Its center of gravity is the 20th century, and disaster looms large.
Aquarius is the sign for February 4 — read more on the Aquarius page, or see February's birthstone & birth flower.
Released on February 4
Movies, games, albums & shows2025
- Game Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Release data from TMDB & IGDB.
Events
10 notable moments- 960
Emperor Taizu of Song
Zhao Kuangyin declares himself Emperor Taizu of Song, ending the Later Zhou and beginning the Song dynasty.
- 1169
1169 Sicily earthquake
A strong earthquake strikes the Ionian coast of Sicily, causing tens of thousands of injuries and deaths, especially in Catania.
- 1789
George Washington
George Washington is unanimously elected as the first President of the United States by the U.S. Electoral College.
- 1797
1797 Riobamba earthquake
The Riobamba earthquake strikes Ecuador, causing up to 40,000 casualties.
- 1801
John Marshall
John Marshall is sworn in as Chief Justice of the United States.
- 1899
Philippine–American War
The Philippine–American War begins when four Filipino soldiers enter the "American Zone" in Manila, igniting the Battle of Manila.
- 1938
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler appoints himself as head of the Armed Forces High Command.
- 1945
World War II
World War II: Santo Tomas Internment Camp is liberated from Japanese authority.
- 1998
February 1998 Afghanistan earthquake
The 5.9 Mw Afghanistan earthquake shakes the Takhar Province with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VII (Very strong). With 2,323 killed, and 818 injured, damage is considered extreme.
- 2004
Facebook
Facebook, a mainstream online social networking site, is founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin.
Famous birthday twins
Born on February 4Ludwig Erhard
b. 1897
German soldier and politician, second Chancellor of West Germany
Friedrich Ebert
b. 1871
German lawyer and politician, first President of Germany
Pirmin Zurbriggen
b. 1963
Swiss skier
Rosa Parks
b. 1913
American civil rights activist
Dan Quayle
b. 1947
American sergeant, lawyer, and politician, 44th Vice President of the United States
Pierre de Marivaux
b. 1688
French author and playwright
George A. Romero
b. 1940
American director and producer
Deaths
- 2019Matti Nykänen
- 1982Alex Harvey (musician)
- 1974Satyendra Nath Bose
- 1928Hendrik Lorentz
- 1774Charles Marie de La Condamine
- 211Septimius Severus
Holidays & observances
- —Christian feast day: Andrew Corsini
- —Christian feast day: Eduardo Francisco Pironio
- —Christian feast day: Gilbert of Sempringham
- —Christian feast day: John de Brito
- —Christian feast day: Goldrofe of Arganil
- —Christian feast day: Blessed Rabanus Maurus
- —Christian feast day: Rimbert
- —Christian feast day: February 4 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Historical facts, event summaries, and biographical lines above are adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA) license. DateLore adds curation, structure, and original editorial commentary. DateLore is not affiliated with the Wikimedia Foundation.
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