On This Day – November 4
Image source: The GrayVine
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let’s look back at some of the most significant events in American history that happened on this day, starting with…
1841: The First Wagon Train Reached California
After traveling more than 1,700 miles from Missouri over five grueling months, the Bartleson-Bidwell Party became the first organized wagon train to successfully arrive in California, blazing a trail for future settlers.
1845: The First Uniform Election Day Was Observed in the United States
Congress designated the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November as the national Election Day for federal offices—a tradition that continues today.
1862: Richard Gatling Patented His Machine Gun
Inventor Richard Jordan Gatling of Indianapolis patented the hand-cranked, multi-barrel “Gatling gun,” an early version of the modern automatic weapon.
1879: Thomas Elkins Patented a Refrigerating Apparatus
African American inventor Thomas Elkins received a patent for a refrigeration system that improved the preservation of food and medicines, contributing to advancements in modern cooling technology.
1879: The Cash Register Was Invented
James Ritty, a saloon owner in Dayton, Ohio, invented the first mechanical cash register to prevent employee theft, laying the foundation for modern business transactions.
1922: King Tut’s Tomb Was Rediscovered
British archaeologist Howard Carter uncovered the sealed tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings—the most intact ancient royal burial ever found and one of archaeology’s greatest discoveries.
1979: The Iran Hostage Crisis Began
Iranian students stormed the US Embassy in Tehran, taking 66 Americans hostage. The crisis lasted 444 days and reshaped US-Iran relations for decades.
2001: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Premiered
The first film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series debuted in London, launching a global cinematic phenomenon and the careers of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.
2008: Barack Obama Was Elected President
Senator Barack Obama won the US presidency, becoming the nation’s first African American president after defeating Republican candidate John McCain in a historic election night.
Do you remember any of these events? Or do you have more moments (historical or not!) you'd like to share with the community? Post them below and let’s reminisce together!
