Today In History, February 4: What Happened On This Day?

Updated 03 February 2026 06:30 PM

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Today In History, February 4: What Happened On This Day?

On This Day in History: What Happened on February 04?

How does a single date manage to hold centuries of ambition, conflict, creativity, and progress within it? History rarely moves in straight lines; instead, it layers decisions, discoveries, and human experiences across time. February 04 stands as one such date where political turning points, technological milestones, cultural shifts, and sporting achievements quietly intersect.

Across different eras, February 04 has witnessed moments that reshaped governance, expanded scientific understanding, influenced global culture, and defined athletic excellence. Some events were immediately recognized as historic, while others revealed their significance only years later. Together, they form a timeline that reflects how societies evolve—sometimes through decisive leadership, sometimes through innovation, and sometimes through the influence of individuals whose work outlived their lifetimes.

This article traces February 04 history in strict chronological order, examining what happened on this day across politics, technology, music, sports, and human lives. From early institutional developments to modern global milestones, these events continue to echo in contemporary systems, cultural memory, and everyday life.

February 04 – Major Historical Events

1789 – George Washington Unanimously Elected First U.S. President

  • Electoral College unanimously selects Washington as the first President.
  • Established peaceful transfer of executive authority.
  • Set foundational precedents for constitutional governance.
  • Marked the formal beginning of the United States presidency.

1945 – Yalta Conference Begins During World War II

  • Allied leaders Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin meet in Crimea.
  • Planned post-war reorganization of Europe.
  • Influenced Cold War geopolitical divisions.
  • Defined United Nations framework discussions.

1976 – First Apple Computer Company Incorporated

  • Apple Computer Company formally established in California.
  • Founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.
  • Marked early personal computing commercial shift.
  • Influenced future consumer technology ecosystems.

2004 – Facebook Launched from Harvard Dormitory

  • Social networking platform initially launched as “TheFacebook”.
  • Began limited to Harvard University students.
  • Later expanded globally, reshaping digital communication.
  • Significantly influenced media, politics, and online identity.

February 04 – Technology News On This Day

1976 – Apple Computer Company Founded

  • Focused on affordable, user-friendly personal computers.
  • Introduced Apple I later that year.
  • Accelerated mainstream adoption of home computing.
  • Influenced hardware design and software ecosystems.

2004 – Facebook Goes Live

  • Early experiment in digital social networking.
  • Redefined global interpersonal communication models.
  • Created new digital economy categories.
  • Impacted information sharing, advertising, and civic discourse.

2010 – Winter Olympics Debut of Advanced Broadcast Technology

  • High-definition broadcasting expanded global sports viewing.
  • Enhanced immersive audience experiences.
  • Influenced future sports media production standards.
  • Accelerated adoption of advanced broadcast infrastructure.

February 04 – Music History On This Day

1964 – Beatles Begin First Major U.S. Visit

  • Arrival marked British Invasion’s mainstream breakthrough.
  • Preceded iconic Ed Sullivan Show performance.
  • Reshaped American pop and rock music.
  • Influenced global youth culture.

1977 – Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” Hits Charts

  • Album entered Billboard rankings after release.
  • Reflected personal narratives within band.
  • Became one of best-selling albums in history.
  • Influenced album-driven rock production.

1990 – Grammy Awards Highlight Genre Diversity

  • Recognized expanding global music styles.
  • Increased visibility for non-mainstream genres.
  • Reflected industry diversification trends.
  • Reinforced Grammy’s cultural influence.

February 04 – Sports Events History On This Day

1932 – First Winter Olympics Open in Lake Placid

  • Expanded Olympic movement into winter sports.
  • Promoted international athletic cooperation.
  • Introduced standardized winter competition formats.
  • Increased global sports diplomacy.

2007 – Peyton Manning Wins First Super Bowl

  • Led Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl XLI victory.
  • Earned Super Bowl MVP honors.
  • Cemented legacy as elite NFL quarterback.
  • Influenced modern offensive football strategies.

2018 – Winter Olympics Technology Integration

  • Advanced athlete performance analytics introduced.
  • Enhanced judging accuracy and broadcast presentation.
  • Improved athlete safety monitoring.
  • Set standards for future Olympic events.

February 04 – Births and Deaths

Notable Births

  • Rosa Parks (1913–2005)
    • American civil rights activist.
    • Sparked Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955.
    • Challenged racial segregation laws; influenced broader civil rights movement.
  • Charles Lindbergh (1902–1974)
    • Aviation pioneer and explorer.
    • Completed first solo transatlantic flight.
    • Advanced public interest in commercial aviation and aerospace development.
  • Alice Cooper (1948– )
    • American rock musician and performer.
    • Known for theatrical stage presence.
    • Influenced hard rock and performance-led concert presentation.

Notable Deaths

  • George A. Romero (1940–2017)
    • Filmmaker known for shaping the modern zombie genre.
    • Directed “Night of the Living Dead”.
    • Influenced horror storytelling and popular culture narratives.
  • Karen Carpenter (1950–1983)
    • Singer and drummer of The Carpenters.
    • Known for distinctive contralto voice.
    • Achieved major chart success; left lasting musical influence.
  • Patty Hearst (1954–2023)
    • Public figure linked to a major 1970s U.S. criminal and political case.
    • Case influenced debates on coercion, media coverage, and legal interpretation.
    • Remains studied in legal, cultural, and journalism contexts.

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