1853⚡ Event
Solomon Northup regains his freedom
Solomon Northup is freed after being kidnapped and sold into slavery, an ordeal he later recounts in Twelve Years a Slave.
lawpolitics
What Happened on January 4?
Discover 17 historical moments on January 4 — 7 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
politicsentertainmentlawsciencesportsmediaspacetechnology
Hero image inspired by: Solomon Northup
Historical Events on January 4(7)
1965⚡ Event
First prime-time televised State of the Union is delivered
President Lyndon B. Johnson gives the first State of the Union address broadcast in prime time, changing how presidents address the nation.
politicsmedia
2004⚡ Event
Spirit Rover Lands on Mars
Spirit, the first of two rovers of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover mission, successfully landed on Mars.
sciencespace
2007⚡ Event
Nancy Pelosi becomes first female Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi is elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
politicslaw
2010⚡ Event
Burj Khalifa Opens
The Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest structure, officially opened in Dubai.
technology
2019⚡ Event
Koszalin Escape Room Fire
A fire in an escape room in Koszalin, Poland, killed five teenagers.
disaster
2020⚡ Event
Sembawang Hot Spring Park Reopens
Sembawang Hot Spring Park in Singapore reopened after being redeveloped by the National Parks Board.
Famous Birthdays on January 4(5)
Notable Deaths on January 4(5)
January 4 in History
January 4 is home to 17 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 7 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1853 to the present day.
Major Events on January 4
Among the most notable events on January 4: Solomon Northup regains his freedom (1853), First prime-time televised State of the Union is delivered (1965), Spirit Rover Lands on Mars (2004). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on January 4
Notable figures born on January 4 include Rob Dillingham, Emil Højlund, Oscar Højlund. View all birthdays →
Notable Deaths on January 4
Remembered figures who died on January 4 include Glynis Johns, David Soul, Christian Oliver. View all →
Browse what happened on January 3 or January 5, explore the full month of January, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on January 4?
- January 4 is home to 17 recorded historical entries, including 7 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
- What is the most notable event on January 4?
- One of the most notable events on January 4 is: Solomon Northup regains his freedom.
- Who was born on January 4?
- Famous figures born on January 4 include Rob Dillingham, Emil Højlund, Oscar Højlund.
- How many historical events happened on January 4?
- Our collection records 7 historical events on January 4, spanning centuries of world history.
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