September 4th: A Day of Historic Turning Points, Traditions, and Timeless Moments

September 4th is a date that resonates through history, marked by political upheavals, groundbreaking innovations, and cultural milestones. From the rise and fall of leaders to pivotal battles and remarkable scientific achievements, this day offers a fascinating glimpse into humanity’s shared story. In this article, we’ll explore what makes September 4th so significant, including details about calendars, traditions, and a timeline of the most important historical events.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student, or just curious about the past, this article will give you a deep insight into why this date matters.

September 4th in the Calendar Systems

On the Gregorian calendar, which is the most widely used today, September 4th falls as the 247th day of the year, leaving 118 days until the year ends. In leap years, it becomes the 248th day.

In the Julian calendar, which was historically important before the Gregorian reform, the date corresponds to August 22nd, which can cause differences when studying older historical records.

Zodiac Sign and Seasonal Context

Zodiac sign: Those born on September 4th fall under Virgo, associated with practicality and analytical thinking.
Season: In the Northern Hemisphere, September 4th is late summer, inching toward the autumn equinox, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it marks the end of winter and the start of spring.

Traditions and Observances on September 4th

Unlike fixed global holidays, September 4th is more about national observances and historical commemorations than universal celebrations. Some notable traditions include:

Labor Day (USA): While the date of Labor Day varies (first Monday of September), it sometimes falls on September 4th. This holiday celebrates workers and their contributions to the economy.
Newspaper Carrier Day (USA): Commemorated on September 4th, this day honours newspaper delivery workers, tracing back to Barney Flaherty, the first paperboy hired on this date in 1833.

In addition, many countries remember major political events or independence-related milestones that occurred on this day.

Major Historical Events on September 4th

September 4th has seen dramatic changes in political landscapes, technological milestones, and iconic cultural moments. Below, we’ll dive into the biggest stories of this day, followed by a chronological timeline of other notable occurrences.

1. 476 CE – The Fall of the Western Roman Empire (Traditional Date)

Some historians associate early September, including the 4th, with events surrounding the deposition of Romulus Augustulus, the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer. Although dates vary, this period marks the transition from Roman rule to the early medieval era, shaping Europe’s future.

2. 1888 – George Eastman Patents the Kodak Camera

On September 4, 1888, George Eastman registered the trademark “Kodak” and patented his innovative camera, revolutionising photography. Before this invention, photography was a cumbersome process, limited to professionals. Eastman Kodak made photography accessible to ordinary people, with the slogan: “You press the button, we do the rest.”

This breakthrough changed how we record memories and perceive the world—a shift that echoes in today’s smartphone photography culture.

3. 1944 – Liberation of Brussels in World War II

On September 4, 1944, Allied forces liberated Brussels, Belgium, from German occupation during World War II. This victory was part of the larger push across Western Europe following D-Day in June 1944, and it boosted Allied morale as they closed in on Nazi forces.

The liberation was greeted with jubilation by civilians, signalling a major step toward the end of the war in Europe.

4. 1957 – Governor Orval Faubus Blocks Integration in Little Rock

In a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus called the National Guard to prevent nine Black students—later known as the Little Rock Nine—from entering Central High School.

This defiance against federal law after Brown v. Board of Education (1954) highlighted the deep racial tensions in the U.S. and forced President Eisenhower to intervene. It remains a stark reminder of the struggle for equality.

5. 1998 – Google is Founded

On September 4, 1998, Larry Page and Sergey Brin officially incorporated Google, a company that would redefine access to information and transform the digital world.

From a Stanford dorm project to the world’s dominant search engine, Google’s creation marks one of the most influential technological milestones of the modern era. Today, it impacts everything from how we learn and shop to how businesses operate globally.

Other Significant Events on September 4th

1609 – Explorer Henry Hudson Discovers Manhattan Island
Hudson’s exploration of the area that would become New York marked a pivotal moment in colonial history.
1781 – Founding of Los Angeles
El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles (The Town of Our Lady the Queen of Angels) was officially established on September 4, 1781. Today, Los Angeles is one of the world’s most influential cities.
1870 – Napoleon III was Captured in the Franco-Prussian War
His capture during the Battle of Sedan marked the collapse of the Second French Empire and the rise of the Third Republic.
1972 – Mark Spitz Wins His Seventh Gold Medal at Munich Olympics
The American swimmer made history by setting a record that would last for decades.
1972 – Munich Olympics Terrorist Attack (Second Day of Siege)
The tragic attack by Black September against Israeli athletes unfolded further on this day, shocking the world.

Chronological Timeline of Events – September 4th

476 CE – Traditional date linked to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
1609 – Henry Hudson explores Manhattan Island.
1781 – Los Angeles was officially founded.
1833 – First newspaper carrier hired in the U.S.
1870 – Napoleon III was captured at Sedan.
1888 – George Eastman patents the Kodak camera.
1944 – Brussels liberated by Allied forces in WWII.
1957 – Orval Faubus blocks school integration in Arkansas.
1972 – Mark Spitz wins seventh Olympic gold medal; Munich hostage crisis continues.
1998 – Google officially incorporated.

Fun Facts About September 4th

The word “Kodak” was invented by George Eastman because he liked the letter K—strong and distinctive.
Google was initially called Backrub before the founders rebranded it.
Los Angeles began with just 44 settlers in 1781; today, it’s home to nearly 4 million people.
In astrology, people born on September 4 are often described as analytical and detail-oriented, true to their Virgo sign.
September 4 is sometimes associated with the start of the “Indian Summer” period in the Northern Hemisphere.

Why September 4th Matters

September 4th stands out as a day of beginnings and transformations—from the birth of cities and nations to inventions that changed the world. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for freedom and equality, as seen in the events of Little Rock.

Summary – Key Points to Remember

September 4th is the 247th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
Major events include:
- Founding of Los Angeles (1781).
- George Eastman’s Kodak patent (1888).
- Liberation of Brussels during WWII (1944).
- Little Rock school integration crisis (1957).
- Google’s founding (1998).
Observances: Newspaper Carrier Day, sometimes Labor Day in the U.S.
Fun facts include links to photography, technology, and American history.

: 1870

In 1870 Napoleon III is deposed as emperor and France finally returns to becoming a Republic almost 100 years after its revolution.

After the ‘Seven Years War’ and aiding America in their War of Independence, France was ruined financially. Their King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette continued to live a life of luxury as the poor starved and a revolution began that would affect the entire continent of Europe. When The King and his wife were captured by revolutionaries, Marie Antoinette’s brother, the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold II, and the King of Prussia, Frederick William II issued the ‘Declaration of Pilintz’ which decreed that if King Louis and his wife were harmed than the monarchies of Europe would inflict severe reprisals on the revolutionaries. After growing disputes between France and the Monarchs of Europe, on the 20^th of April 1792 France declared war on Austria and within a few weeks Prussia had allied with Austria. The French army marched on the Austrian Netherlands but without sufficient organisation they ran at the first signs of battle. But France had great victories in Italy and Austria. When they executed Louis XVI on the 21^st of January 1793 many of the European powers united against the French republic and on the 1^st of February France declared War on Britain and the Netherlands as well as Spain soon after. France fought with vigour and great and formidable military leader emerged in Napoleon Bonaparte who quickly rose to power. On the 9^th of November 1799 a coup made Napoleon the leader of France and on the 24^th of December a new constitution was signed giving Bonaparte the powers of a Dictator. The French revolution was over and on the 18^th of May 1804 and France had swapped a king for an emperor.

The new Emperor made many changes, including the return of slavery in their colonies and continued to build his empire in the name of France. He was a skilled military leader who had many victories in Europe, but also led some very campaigns which saw the defeat of the largest army the world had ever seen when he attempted to invade Russia and the defeat of the largest naval invasion force at the hands of the British.

On the 20^th of March 1811 Napoleon’s son, Napoleon Francois Charles Joseph, was born. As Napoleon’s only heir he was destined to take up the throne and rule the French Empire. Between the 30th and 31^st of March 1814 the sixth coalition forces made up of Russia, Austria and Prussia defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Paris. On the 2^nd of April the French Senate passed an act declaring the deposition of Napoleon. Despite being deposed as emperor he abdicated himself on the 4^th of April in favour of his three year old son. His young son ruled as emperor for seven days before Napoleon was forced to sign the Treaty of Fontainebleau which stated that Napoleon and his heirs must give up his sovereignty of France and other territories.

But Napoleon Bonaparte refused to accept his defeat. One year later Napoleon returned to France and amassed an army only to be defeated once more by Wellington at the ‘Battle of Waterloo’ on the 18^th of June 1815. Once again Napoleon abdicated his throne in favour of his son but his attempts to continue a monarchic rule of France was never recognised by the French government. Napoleon was exiled as a British prisoner to the Island of Saint Helena and died on this day in 1821. On the 9^th of August 1830 Louis Philippe became the new French King.

Napoleon’s son, Francois, fled to Austria to live with his grandfather, the Austrian emporer, Francis I. He feared returning home but thanks to his grandfather he led a privillaged life in Vienna. In 1832 Francois fell ill with tuberculosis and died on the 22^nd of June 1832.

Napoleon I’s brother Louis, whom he had placed on the Spanish throne, had as son also named Louis Bonaparte. Young Louis lived with his mother in Switzerland and from a young age he had delusions of grandeur believing, as Napoleon’s only living heir, it was his destiny to return to France and become the new emperor. He planned to march into Paris, as his uncle had in 1815, and rally the people behind him. He began his march in Strasbourg on the 29^th of October 1836 but he was quickly stopped and exiled from France. He spent many years living in England and became very wealthy on the death of his mother. He never gave up the idea of becoming emperor and in 1840 he bought some weapons, men and a ship. On the 6^th of August 1840 he and his crew set sail for Boulogne. They managed to land before being captured and Louis was imprisoned. His cell was a lavish room in the fortress of Ham and his visitors were allowed to come and go as they pleased. On the 25^th of May 1846 he escaped from prison and returned to England.

On the 23^rd of February 1848 a second French Revolution broke out and on the 23^rd of June the revolution had reached Paris. Louis saw his chance and returned to France. He successfully became elected as the first president of the Second French Republic on the 20^th of December 1848. As president he led a campaign of repression of those who opposed his political views. According to the constitution he was also not allowed to sit as president for a second term and he fought for many years to change this law but was unsuccessful. So on the 2^nd of December 1851 he began a coup d’etat to overthrow the government and change the constitution just as his uncle had. One year later on the 2^nd of December 1852 he proclaimed himself Emperor of France and reigned until he was deposed on the 4^th of September 1870.