Fact 1: Esteemed Birthdays on March 4th
Several notable individuals celebrate their birthdays on March 4th. This includes Miriam Makeba, a South African singer who was a civil rights activist and Antonio Vivaldi, one of the greatest Italian composers known for his series of violin concertos, ‘The Four Seasons’. Moreover, March 4th was also the birthday of Chris Rea, a renowned British rock and blues singer-songwriter, and Jared Leto, an American actor and musician.
Fact 2: Start of the Erie Canal Construction
On March 4, 1817, the construction of the Erie Canal began, representing an outstanding feat in civil engineering. The project was completed in 1825, creating an artificial waterway connecting the Hudson River to Lake Erie, and making a substantial impact on the commerce and transportation of the time.
Fact 3: An Incredible Technological Achievement
Alexander Graham Bell patented his invention, the telephone, on this very day, in 1876. This revolutionary technology advanced global communication systems immensely and reshaped modern life.
Fact 4: The First National Anthem
On March 4, 1931, "The Star-Spangled Banner" became the official national anthem of the United States of America. The song began as a poem written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 and later set to music.
Fact 5: Inauguration Day in the U.S.
Before 1933, March 4 was the official Inauguration Day in the United States. The 20th amendment to the Constitution changed the date to January 20th to shorten the period between election day and inauguration.
Fact 6: A Long-winded Speech
On March 4, 1841, U.S. President William Henry Harrison delivered the longest inaugural address in American history, lasting nearly two hours. Unfortunately, he caught a chill during the speech, which led to pneumonia and his death just a month later.
Fact 7: The Launch of PS2
On March 4, 2000, Sony launched the PlayStation 2 (PS2) in Japan. The PS2 went on to become one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time, marking a monumental day in gaming history.
Fact 8: Crucial Advances in Women's Rights
On March 4, 1917, the first congresswoman, Jeannette Rankin, started her term in the House of Representatives. Rankin was a pivotal figure for women's suffrage in the U.S. and a noted pacifist.
Fact 9: The Geneva Convention
The modern day Geneva Convention's basis was established on March 4, 1863, when a Swiss organization started to develop ideas to treat wounded soldiers humanely during conflict.
Fact 10: The Continental Flag
The Continental Navy adopted the Grand Union Flag, a forerunner of the United States' Stars and Stripes, on March 4th, 1776. This marked an important day in the early history of American independence.
Fact 11: The Day of Solidarity
March 4th is celebrated in Italy as a symbolic day of solidarity, with countless volunteer activities being held and thousands of people contributing their time to improve their communities.
Fact 12: Death of a Scientist
March 4th, 1968 marked the death of Nobel Prize winning biochemist, Luis Federico Leloir, known for his work in carbohydrate metabolism.
Fact 13: Connection to the Roman Calendar
In earlier versions of the Roman calendar, March was actually considered the first month of the year. Thus, March 4 would technically be 'New Year's Day.'
Fact 14: A Memorable NASA Launch
A memorable launch of NASA's Pioneer 4 took place on March 4, 1959. This unmanned spacecraft performed the first U.S. flyby of the moon.
Fact 15: National Grammar Day
March 4 is officially recognized as National Grammar Day in the U.S. Encouraging the use of correct grammar, it was established by Martha Brockenbrough, founder of the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar, in 2008.
Fact 16: World Obesity Day
March 4th also marks World Obesity Day, aimed at promoting practical solutions to end the global obesity crisis.
Fact 17: Japanese Doll Festival
In Japan, March 4 is celebrated as Hina-Matsuri, or Doll’s Day. This festival is held to pray for the health and happiness of young girls.
Fact 18: Change in the French Calendar
On March 4th, 1790, in France, a decree made Paris the geographical center for measurement of distance, replacing the historic royal city of Tours.
Fact 19: Benjamin Harrison’s Historical Act
On March 4, 1891, Former US President Benjamin Harrison became the first president to witness the inauguration of his successor, a tradition that continues today.
Fact 20: Leap Year Oddity
In leap years, March 4th is the only day that corresponds with the Julian calendar's February 29th. Thus, preventing issues that might arise from having an additional day.