1333: Bubonic Plague Strikes China
On November 4, 1333, the Bubonic Plague, also known as the Black Death, first struck parts of China. The pandemic would eventually spread across Asia and Europe, killing an estimated 25 million people and reshaping global history.
“The land lies desolate, and the dead outnumber the living. Yet we must remember that while the plague sweeps like fire, it does not erase the hope that humanity will endure.”
~ 14th-century chronicler
1737: Deadly Cyclone Strikes Bengal
On November 4, 1737, a devastating cyclone struck the region of Bengal (now part of India and Bangladesh). It caused massive destruction and resulted in the deaths of over 300,000 people, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in history.
“Nature, in all its fury, reminds us of the fragile threads that bind us to life, and how swiftly they can be torn asunder.”
~ Anonymous historical record
1842: Abraham Lincoln Marries Mary Todd
On November 4, 1842, Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd in Springfield, Illinois. Their marriage, though often strained, was a significant partnership that lasted until Lincoln’s assassination in 1865.
“My dear Mary, without you, I would be a man without a compass in the great storm of life, bereft of the anchor of love that binds my heart to this world.”
~ Abraham Lincoln (in a letter to Mary Todd)
1922: Discovery of King Tutankhamun’s Tomb
On November 4, 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the entrance to King Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. The tomb, filled with priceless treasures, provided unprecedented insight into ancient Egyptian civilization.
“As we peered within, our eyes beheld wonders beyond imagination, untouched by time, lying in still majesty amidst the sands of forgotten ages.”
~ Howard Carter
1924: Nellie Tayloe Ross Elected First Female U.S. Governor
On November 4, 1924, Nellie Tayloe Ross was elected as the first female governor of the United States, representing the state of Wyoming. Her victory marked a milestone for women in American politics.
“The task before us is great, but so is the resolve of women to stand as equals in every field, be it home or government.”
~ Nellie Tayloe Ross
1952: U.S. National Security Agency Founded
On November 4, 1952, the National Security Agency (NSA) was officially established. The NSA, responsible for global monitoring and data collection, became one of the most secretive and powerful intelligence organizations in the United States.
“In the shadows, we safeguard the light of liberty, unseen and unthanked, yet resolute in our duty.”
~ Anonymous NSA official
1979: Iran Hostage Crisis Begins
On November 4, 1979, militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran, taking 52 American hostages. This began the Iran Hostage Crisis, which would last for 444 days and have a lasting impact on U.S.-Iran relations.
“Our struggle is not with the people, but with those who hold them captive. The hostages shall not be forgotten, nor shall we rest until they are free.”
~ President Jimmy Carter
1995: Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin Assassinated
On November 4, 1995, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by an extremist at a peace rally in Tel Aviv. Rabin, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, had worked towards achieving peace in the Middle East.
“Peace is not made with friends, but with fierce enemies. We shall not give up on the dream of peace, for that is the legacy worth fighting for.”
~ Yitzhak Rabin
2008: Barack Obama Elected President of the United States
On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama was elected as the 44th president of the United States, making history as the first African American to hold the nation’s highest office. His election marked a milestone in American history.
“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible… tonight is your answer. Change has come to America.”
~ Barack Obama
2010: Space Shuttle Discovery’s Final Mission
On November 4, 2010, NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery launched on its final mission to the International Space Station. Discovery’s 39 missions over nearly three decades made it one of NASA’s most celebrated spacecraft.
“Discovery represents humanity’s quest to go beyond what we know, to embrace the stars as a second home. It will be missed, yet its legacy is eternal.”
~ NASA astronaut
2014: One World Trade Center Opens in New York City
On November 4, 2014, One World Trade Center officially opened in New York City, standing as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Built on the site of the original World Trade Center, it symbolized resilience and recovery.
“This building, this city, this country will always stand tall, a beacon of resilience, and a testament to the courage and strength that define us.”
~ Michael Bloomberg, former NYC mayor
2020: New Zealand Legalizes Euthanasia
On November 4, 2020, New Zealand legalized euthanasia through a public referendum, becoming one of the few countries to allow assisted dying. The decision was seen as a step toward greater compassion and autonomy in end-of-life care.
“In granting this choice, we are not advocating for death, but for the dignity of the individual and the compassion of a nation.”
~ Jacinda Ardern
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