September 4 is the 247th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 118 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about September 4th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about September 4th in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- National Newspaper Carrier Day
- National Eat an Extra Dessert Day
- International Turkey Vulture Day
- World Beard Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – September 4
2002: Kelly Clarkson Becomes the First American Idol
The singer, songwriter, and Grammy Awards winner made her first appearance in the second episode of the reality TV show, which co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman and was judged by Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson. The popular show was broadcast on Fox television network and has been on television for 14 seasons.
1998: Google is founded
The internet company, now synonymous with the act of finding information on the world wide web was created by Larry Page and Sergey Brin. It started as a research project when Page and Brin were doctoral students at Stanford University.
1998: Who wants to be a Millionaire? Makes its Debut on British Television
The popular quiz game show that gave out cash prizes to contests for answering increasingly difficult questions was developed by David Briggs, Mike Whitehill, and Steven Knight, and was aired for the first time on ITC. Chris Tarrant hosted the British version of the show until 2014. The popularity of the show in the UK prompted TV channels from other countries to adapt it for their audiences.
1888: Printing and imaging company Kodak, also known as Eastman Kodak Company, was founded by inventor George Eastman
On the same day, Eastman received the patent for the roll-film camera. The cameras which were preloaded with rolls that were good for up to 100 photographs changed the world of photography by making it easier for amateurs to take it up as a hobby.
1870: Napoleon III ousted as Emperor of France
The first elected president of France, Napoleon took over the title of Emperor in 1852. The ouster came in response to Napoleon’s capitulation during the Franco-Prussian War. After being removed from power, he was exiled to England, where he died on January 9, 1873.
1998: On September 4, 1998 – Google is founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two students at Stanford University.

Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, September 4
1981: Beyoncé Knowles, African/American singer-songwriter, producer, dancer, actress
1977: Kia StevensAmerican wrestler
1963: John Vanbiesbrouck, American ice hockey player
1949: Tom Watson, American golfer
1824: Anton Bruckner, Austrian composer
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, September 4
2014: Joan Rivers, American comedian, actress, author
2006: Steve Irwin, Australian zoologist, television host
1986: Hank Greenberg, American baseball player
1965: Albert Schweitzer, Alsatian physician, Nobel Prize laureate
1588: Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester