Most dates pass without notice, but December 4 has something unique and historical. On this day, a group of exhausted settlers stepped onto Virginia soil and promised to mark the moment with thanksgiving every year. In another century, a child in Moscow suddenly inherited a throne and grew into one of history’s most feared rulers. And much later, the world flipped a page again when the first Sunday newspaper was printed, turning quiet weekends into a time for headlines and ideas. Different eras, different people, yet December 4 kept becoming a turning point.
William Washington Outsmarts Loyalists – 1780
- In South Carolina, Continental officer William Washington trapped a Loyalist contingent at Rugeley’s Mill. Using a shrewd deception, he convinced them to surrender without firing a shot. Loyalist commander Rowland Rugeley had no alternative but to capitulate.
- The episode quickly became a celebrated story of cunning from the Revolutionary War.
George Washington Resigns to Private Life – 1783
- At Fraunces Tavern in New York, General George Washington gathered his officers for a farewell. He formally stepped down from military command and returned to civilian life. The heartfelt departure marked the close of his wartime leadership and reinforced his reputation as a leader who valued duty over personal power.
Oliver Kelley Launches the Grange – 1867
- Oliver Hudson Kelley established the National Grange to support farmers and enhance rural communities.
- The organisation became a vital network for agricultural advocacy and later influenced political movements across the United States.
- Kelley’s initiative fostered collaboration among farmers from multiple states.
Early Study of War Trauma Published – 1917
- Psychiatrist W.H. Rivers released The Repression of War Experience, based on his work with shell-shocked soldiers at Craiglockhart Hospital.
- His study described the psychological wounds of combat, now recognised as PTSD.
- The report is considered a foundational contribution to understanding war-related mental health issues.
Mob Boss ‘Dapper Dan’ Murdered – 1928
- St. Paul’s crime figure Daniel ‘Dapper Dan’ Hogan was killed by an explosive hidden under his car.
- Doctors attempted to save him as large crowds gathered outside the hospital.
- The killing shocked the local underworld and remains one of Minnesota’s most notorious gangland murders.
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Polish Christians Protect Jewish Neighbours – 1942
- A group of Polish Christians, led by Zofia Kossak and Wanda Filipowicz, created the Council for the Assistance of the Jews.
- They risked their lives to shelter Jews from Nazi persecution.
- Their courageous acts became an important chapter in Poland’s wartime resistance efforts.
The “Million Dollar Quartet” Meets – 1956
- At Sun Studio in Memphis, an impromptu jam session brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.
- The gathering was later dubbed the ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ by the media.
- The event became an iconic moment in early rock-and-roll history.
Chicago Police Raid Black Panther Office – 1969
- Fred Hampton and Mark Clark were fatally shot during a police raid in Chicago, with over 100 rounds fired.
- While authorities described it as a firefight, later investigations challenged that account.
- The incident became a landmark moment highlighting civil rights tensions and policing practices.
Terry Anderson Released from Captivity – 1991
- Terry Anderson the American journalist regained his freedom in Lebanon after nearly seven years in captivity.
- He had been the longest-held Western hostage during the Lebanese civil war.
- His release marked a turning point in the series of kidnappings by militant groups, and he soon returned to the United States.
U.S. Military Deployed to Somalia – 1992
- President George H.W. Bush dispatched 28,000 troops to Somalia to safeguard humanitarian aid amid a severe famine.
- He described the intervention as fulfilling a moral duty. The operation became known as Operation Restore Hope.
Latrell Sprewell Suspended by NBA – 1997
- During a practice session, NBA player Latrell Sprewell physically attacked his coach, P.J. Carlesimo.
- The league responded with a one-year suspension.
- The incident sparked widespread debate over athlete discipline and coach-player dynamics, becoming one of the league’s most talked-about controversies.
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