September 4: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On September 4, 476, a teenage emperor named Romulus Augustulus was toppled, effectively closing the book on the Western Roman Empire—an empire that had lasted five centuries.
About September 4
September 4 is a day of dramatic transitions, both ancient and modern. In 476, the Germanic chieftain Odoacer deposed the young Romulus Augustulus and declared himself King of Italy, extinguishing the Western Roman Empire. Exactly 1,522 years later, two Stanford PhD students named Larry Page and Sergey Brin officially incorporated Google, reshaping how humanity accesses information. Few dates on the calendar span such a breathtaking arc of human progress.
The day also marks pivotal moments of foundation and liberation. In 1781, forty-four Spanish settlers established El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora La Reina de los Ángeles, laying the groundwork for what we now know as Los Angeles. Fast forward to 1944, during World War II, and the British 11th Armoured Division successfully liberated the Belgian port city of Antwerp. Meanwhile, in 1888, George Eastman secured a trademark for the name "Kodak" along with a patent for his roll-film camera, putting photography into the hands of everyday people.
From the gridiron to the pool, September 4 has witnessed iconic sporting milestones. In 1972, swimmer Mark Spitz became the first athlete ever to capture seven gold medals at a single Olympic Games. Two decades earlier, in 1950, Darlington Raceway hosted the very first 500-mile NASCAR event, the Southern 500. And for television fans, 1972 brought the premiere of "The Price Is Right," which remains the longest-running game show in American history.
Holidays & Observances on September 4
- Immigrant's Day (Argentina)
- Toothfish Day (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands)
Fun & National Days on September 4
- National Macadamia Nut Day — Grab a handful of buttery macadamia nuts or bake them into cookies for a rich, crunchy treat.
- Eat an Extra Dessert Day — Diet starts tomorrow—today you have the perfect excuse to go back for a second slice of cake.
- National Newspaper Carrier Day — Leave a generous tip or a thank-you note for the dedicated person who delivers your morning news.
- Bring Your Manners to Work Day — Hold the elevator, refill the coffee pot, and say please and thank you all day long.
- College Colors Day
- National Chianti Day
- National Food Bank Day
- National Lazy Mom's Day
- National Leadership Day
- National Spice Blend Day
On This Day in History
- 476 — The Western Roman Empire effectively dissolved when Odoacer deposed Emperor Romulus Augustulus and crowned himself King of Italy.
- 626 — Li Shimin ascended the throne as Emperor Taizong, beginning a legendary reign over China's powerful Tang dynasty.
- 1781 — Forty-four Spanish settlers founded El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora La Reina de los Ángeles, establishing the city of Los Angeles.
- 1882 — Thomas Edison's Pearl Street Station in New York City became the world's first commercial power plant to serve paying electricity customers.
- 1886 — Apache leader Geronimo surrendered to General Nelson Miles in Arizona, ending nearly three decades of resistance in the American Indian Wars.
- 1888 — George Eastman trademarked the name Kodak and patented his revolutionary roll-film camera, making photography widely accessible.
- 1944 — The British 11th Armoured Division liberated the vital Belgian port city of Antwerp during World War II.
- 1950 — Darlington Raceway hosted the inaugural Southern 500, marking the first 500-mile NASCAR race in history.
- 1972 — Swimmer Mark Spitz made Olympic history by becoming the first athlete to win seven gold medals at a single Games.
- 1972 — The long-running American television game show "The Price Is Right" made its debut on the CBS network.
- 1985 — Scientists discovered buckminsterfullerene, the first fullerene carbon molecule, famously known as a buckyball.
- 1998 — Stanford University PhD students Larry Page and Sergey Brin officially founded the technology giant Google.
Famous Birthdays on September 4
- 1824 — Anton Bruckner, Austrian composer and organist celebrated for his monumental symphonies that pushed the boundaries of orchestral scale.
- 1846 — Daniel Burnham, Visionary American architect and urban planner who designed the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
- 1848 — Lewis Howard Latimer, Pioneering African American inventor who developed the carbon filament, making the practical light bulb possible.
- 1908 — Richard Wright, Influential American novelist whose works, including "Native Son," powerfully examined racial struggles in the United States.
- 1931 — Mitzi Gaynor, American actress, singer, and dancer best remembered for her dazzling lead role in the film adaptation of "South Pacific."
- 1937 — Dawn Fraser, Australian swimming legend who captured eight Olympic medals across three Games, later becoming a member of parliament.
- 1960 — Damon Wayans, American comedian, actor, and screenwriter who rose to fame on the landmark sketch comedy show "In Living Color."
- 1981 — Beyoncé, Houston-born global superstar who evolved from Destiny's Child frontwoman into one of music's most celebrated solo artists.