October 4th is officially Ship in A Bottle Day and Taco Day.
We made it to day 277 of the year, and there are only 88 days remaining in 2026.
October 4 in history was a day of disasters, inventions and so much more. Here you’ll discover some interesting facts and events that all make this day such an important one in history.
Did you know that on this day, October 4, 1957, Sputnik 1 became Earth’s first artificial satellite to go into orbit? It orbited for three weeks before its batteries died and then crashed down two weeks later.
Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about October 4th in history!
Historical Events
What memorable events happened on October 4 in history? Keep reading to find out!
Dark Souls, the second Souls game after Demon’s Souls, was released for PS3 and Xbox 360 in North America.
It wasn't quite a sequel to Demon's Souls, but it's close enough for them to be considered within the same series. Dark Souls was an incredibly well-received game with just one catch: players thought it was way too difficult!
Famous Births
If you’re celebrating your birthday today, you share the same birthday with Dakota Johnson! Check out these other famous people who were born on this day!
1988
Melissa Benoist
American Actress
Age
37 years old
Born IN
Texas, USA
1989
Dakota Johnson
American Actress
Age
36 years old
Born IN
Texas, USA
1976
Alicia Silverstone
American Actress
Age
49 years old
Born IN
California, USA
1979
Rachael Leigh Cook
American Actress
Age
46 years old
Born IN
Minnesota, USA
Birthday & Zodiac
Those of you who were born on this day share the Libra star sign.
Libra is an air sign represented by the scales, but did you know that it’s the only inanimate object of the zodiac?
Pink tourmaline is the birthstone given to people born in October. The beautiful pink color within the tourmaline is known to protect the bearer’s heart while also supporting the healing of their emotions.
People born on October 4 were likely conceived on or around January 11 in the same year.
A baby that is conceived on this day will likely be due around June 27, 2027.
Famous Deaths
Unfortunately, October 4th has also been a day where we've had to say some goodbyes over the years…
1928 — 1974
Anne Sexton
American Poet Anne Sexton was born on November 9, 1928. She died on this day in 1974, at age 45 in Massachusetts, USA.
Quotes
What is your favorite quote from October 4? Here are the most noteworthy quotes said on this day throughout history.
1930
“Bunch together a group of people deliberately chosen for strong religious feelings, and you have a practical guarantee of dark morbidities expressed in crime, perversion, and insanity.”
H. P. Lovecraft
(American Writer)
1748
“To hold a pen is to be at war.”
Voltaire
(French Writer)
Special Holidays
If you can spare some time today, here are some unique holidays you could get involved with.
International
Ship in A Bottle Day
People have been putting ships in bottles as early as the 18th century. Most remarkably, it was often sailors on long voyages who would create them while being tossed about by the waves. So celebrate Ship In A Bottle Day today by attempting to make your own!
United States
National Taco Day
Today we celebrate the most famous food to come out of Mexico - the humble taco. If you live somewhere that has taquerias, then obviously go and get an authentic taco from there today. But, for the rest of you, why not try making your own tacos today?
Fact Of The Day
Days Until
Your countdown to 2026's upcoming special days!
-
Coming Out Day
7 days
-
Halloween
27 days
-
Veterans Day
38 days
-
Christmas Day
82 days
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New Year's Day
89 days
