Last Updated: September 4, 2026
Today in History – September 4 marks a significant calendar date associated with pivotal political events, groundbreaking technological foundations, astronomical discoveries, and freedom movement milestones. Most notably, it marks the birth anniversary of Dadabhai Naoroji, the ‘Grand Old Man of India’, and the corporate incorporation of Google.
This article covers:
- Major historical events on September 4
- Famous personalities born on September 4
- National and international observances
- Important current affairs and competitive exam facts
Table of Contents
🌟 Top Highlights of September 4
- Dadabhai Naoroji Born (1825): Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the ‘Grand Old Man of India’ and key architect of the early Indian National Movement, was born.
- George Eastman Registers Kodak (1888): George Eastman received a patent for his roll-film camera and registered the trademark ‘Kodak’.
- Google Incorporated (1998): Google was officially incorporated as a company by Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
- Little Rock Nine Crisis Begins (1957): The ‘Little Rock Nine’ crisis unfolded in the US as African American students were blocked from entering Little Rock Central High School.
🗓️ Important Historical Events on September 4
476 AD – Fall of the Western Roman Empire
The Germanic leader Odoacer deposed the last Western Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus. This pivotal event marked the formal end of the Western Roman Empire and is traditionally considered by historians as the transition from Classical Antiquity to the Middle Ages in Europe.
1888 – Registration of the ‘Kodak’ Trademark
American inventor George Eastman patented the box camera that used a continuous roll of flexible paper film and registered the brand name ‘Kodak’. This invention democratized photography, laying the groundwork for the modern consumer photography and motion picture industries.
1944 – Ceasefire in the Continuation War (Finland & USSR)
Finland declared a unilateral ceasefire ending its hostilities with the Soviet Union during World War II in the Continuation War. This decision led to the armistice signed later in Moscow, re-establishing Nordic geopolitical boundaries.
1957 – The Little Rock Central High School Crisis
Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus deployed the National Guard to prevent nine African-American students known as the ‘Little Rock Nine’, from entering the newly desegregated Little Rock Central High School. This triggered US President Dwight D. Eisenhower to intervene with federal troops, marking a historic turning point in the US Civil Rights Movement.
1998 – Official Incorporation of Google
Stanford University Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin officially incorporated Google as a privately held company in Menlo Park, California. The search engine transformed digital information retrieval and became one of the world’s most valuable tech conglomerates.
Other Major Events
- 1781: The city of Los Angeles was founded by a group of 44 Spanish settlers named “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles”.
- 1972: American swimmer Mark Spitz became the first athlete to win seven gold medals in a single Olympic Games during the Munich Olympics.
- 2016: Mother Teresa of Calcutta was canonized as a Saint by Pope Francis at a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City.
🎂 Famous Birthdays on September 4
| Year | Personality | Domain / Notable Achievement |
| 1825 | Dadabhai Naoroji | Indian Nationalist leader, economist, co-founder of Indian National Congress, and first Indian MP in the British House of Commons. |
| 1952 | Rishi Kapoor | Veteran Indian Film Actor, National Film Award winner known for iconic roles in Hindi cinema. |
| 1981 | Beyoncé Knowles | Acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and multi-Grammy Award winner. |
📌 Other Notable Birthdays: Darius Milhaud (1892) – Renowned French composer and educator, Kiran More (1962) – Former Indian international cricketer and former Chairman of the Selection Committee.
🕯️ Notable Death Anniversaries on September 4
- 1965 – Albert Schweitzer: Alsatian polymath, theologian, philosopher, and physician who received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian philosophy of “Reverence for Life” and medical mission work in Africa.
- 1997 – Aldo Rossi: Famous Italian architect and designer who achieved international recognition in four distinct areas: theory, drawing, architecture, and product design; recipient of the Pritzker Prize in 1990.
- 2006 – Steve Irwin: Australian wildlife conservationist and television personality globally famous as “The Crocodile Hunter”.
📢 National & International Days Observed on September 4
- National Macadamia Nut Day: Observed annually on September 4, primarily in the United States. The day highlights the nutritional value, cultivation, and culinary importance of macadamia nuts. To promote awareness regarding the health benefits, culinary uses, and agricultural significance of macadamias. High in healthy monounsaturated fats, macadamia nuts support heart health and cholesterol reduction.
- World Sexual Health Day: Established in 2010 by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). To promote social awareness, education, and human rights aspects regarding sexual health globally. Encourages open dialogue, reduces stigma, and fosters sexual well-being across all communities.
💡Did You Know?
- First Indian in British Parliament: Dadabhai Naoroji was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the UK House of Commons representing Finsbury Central in 1892.
- Drain of Wealth Theory: Naoroji authored the seminal book “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India”, detailing how British rule siphoned economic resources out of India.
- Origin of Google’s Name: The name ‘Google’ originated from a misspelling of ‘Googol’, the mathematical term represented by the numeral 1 followed by 100 zeros.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is Dadabhai Naoroji called the “Grand Old Man of India”?
Ans: He earned this title for his pioneering role in Indian nationalism, leadership in the Indian National Congress, and his efforts to expose British economic exploitation of India.
Q2: Who authored the book ‘Poverty and Un-British Rule in India’?
Ans: It was authored by Dadabhai Naoroji, introducing the famous ‘Drain of Wealth’ theory.
Q3: When was Google officially incorporated as a company?
Ans: Google was officially incorporated on September 4, 1998.
Q4: Who was the first Indian elected to the British House of Commons?
Ans: Dadabhai Naoroji became the first Indian MP in the British Parliament in 1892.
Q5: Which historical event marks the fall of the Western Roman Empire?
Ans: The deposition of Emperor Romulus Augustulus by Odoacer on September 4, 476 AD.
Q6: When was the Kodak trademark registered?
Ans: George Eastman registered the ‘Kodak’ trademark on September 4, 1888.
Q7: When was Mother Teresa canonized as a Saint?
Ans: Mother Teresa was canonized by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016.
Q8: Why is World Sexual Health Day observed on September 4?
Ans: It is observed globally to promote awareness, education, and rights regarding sexual health under the initiative of the World Association for Sexual Health.
Q9: When was Los Angeles founded?
Ans: Los Angeles was founded on September 4, 1781, by Spanish settlers.