What Happened on February 4?

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events

births

deaths

holidays

EVENTS ON FEBRUARY 4

Explore the most important historical events that happened on February 4, featuring key moments that shaped the world.

Codex Sinaiticus

Year: 1859

The Codex Sinaiticus is discovered in Egypt.

Mormon pioneers

Year: 1846

The first Mormon pioneers make their exodus from Nauvoo, Illinois, westward towards Salt Lake Valley.

Ohio General Assembly

Year: 1825

The Ohio Legislature authorizes the construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal and the Miami and Erie Canal.

Chilean Navy

Year: 1820

The Chilean Navy under the command of Lord Cochrane completes the two-day long Capture of Valdivia with just 300 men and two ships.

American Civil War

Year: 1861

American Civil War: In Montgomery, Alabama, delegates from six breakaway U.S. states meet and initiate the process that would form the Confederate States of America on February 8.

Philippine–American War

Year: 1899

The Philippine–American War begins when four Filipino soldiers enter the "American Zone" in Manila, igniting the Battle of Manila.

British Indian Army

Year: 1945

World War II: The British Indian Army and Imperial Japanese Army begin a series of battles known as the Battle of Pokoku and Irrawaddy River operations.

United Service Organizations

Year: 1941

The United Service Organization (USO) is created to entertain American troops.

BIRTHS ON FEBRUARY 4

Discover famous people and historical figures born on February 4, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.

Norman Wisdom

Year of birth: 1915

Norman Wisdom, English comedian, actor and singer-songwriter (died 2010)

Rosa Parks

Year of birth: 1913

Rosa Parks, American civil rights activist (died 2005)

Erich Leinsdorf

Year of birth: 1912

Erich Leinsdorf, Austrian-American conductor (died 1993)

William Talman (actor)

Year of birth: 1915

William Talman, American actor and screenwriter (died 1968)

Yahya Khan

Year of birth: 1917

Yahya Khan, Pakistan general and politician, third President of Pakistan (died 1980)

Janet Waldo

Year of birth: 1920

Janet Waldo, American actress and voice artist (died 2016)

Ida Lupino

Year of birth: 1918

Ida Lupino, English-American actress and director (died 1995)

Luigi Pareyson

Year of birth: 1918

Luigi Pareyson, Italian philosopher and author (died 1991)

DEATHS ON FEBRUARY 4

Look back at notable individuals who passed away on February 4, and learn about their lasting influences on history.

Una O'Connor (actress)

Year of death: 1959

Una O'Connor, Irish-American actress (born 1880)

Neal Cassady

Year of death: 1968

Neal Cassady, American novelist and poet (born 1926)

Louise Bogan

Year of death: 1970

Louise Bogan, American poet and critic (born 1897)

Henry Kuttner

Year of death: 1958

Henry Kuttner, American author and screenwriter (born 1915)

Savielly Tartakower

Year of death: 1956

Savielly Tartakower, Russian-French chess player, journalist, and author (born 1887)

Nikolai Yezhov

Year of death: 1940

Nikolai Yezhov, Russian police officer and politician (born 1895)

Frank Calder

Year of death: 1943

Frank Calder, English-Canadian ice hockey player and journalist (born 1877)

Arsen Kotsoyev

Year of death: 1944

Arsen Kotsoyev, Russian author and translator (born 1872)

HOLIDAYS ON FEBRUARY 4

See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on February 4 around the world.

February 4 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Christian feast day: February 4 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

International Day of Human Fraternity

Ash Wednesday

Earliest day on which Ash Wednesday can fall, while March 10 is the latest; celebrated on the first day of Lent (Western Christianity)

World Cancer Day

Andrew Corsini

Christian feast day: Andrew Corsini

Rabanus Maurus

Christian feast day: Blessed Rabanus Maurus

Eduardo Francisco Pironio

Christian feast day: Eduardo Francisco Pironio

Gilbert of Sempringham

Christian feast day: Gilbert of Sempringham

February