The First Complete Bible in English Is Printed
On October 4, 1535, the Coverdale Bible was printed, the first complete Bible in English.
The Gregorian Calendar Takes Effect
On October 4, 1582, the last Julian calendar day ended in Catholic Europe; the next was October 15.
Washington's Army Is Repulsed at Germantown
On October 4, 1777, Washington's attack on the British at Germantown failed in heavy fog.
Belgium Proclaims Independence From the Netherlands
On October 4, 1830, Belgium declared independence from the Netherlands after an uprising in Brussels.
The Orient Express Makes Its First Journey
On October 4, 1883, the Orient Express left Paris on its first run, bound for the Ottoman capital.
Work Begins on Mount Rushmore
On October 4, 1927, Gutzon Borglum began carving the presidential faces at Mount Rushmore.
The Soviet Union Launches Sputnik 1
On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite in orbit.
Lesotho Becomes Independent
On October 4, 1966, Basutoland became independent from Britain as the Kingdom of Lesotho.