What Happened on April 4?

April 4 is the International Day for Mine Awareness — promoting safety from landmines — on the same date NATO was founded, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, and Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft.

• 1818 — Congress adopts the plan for thirteen stripes and a star for each state

  On April 4, 1818, Congress passed a flag law keeping thirteen red and white stripes but adding one star for each state — the pattern still used on the American flag today. Read the full story →

• 1841 — President William Henry Harrison dies — shortest U.S. presidency

  William Henry Harrison died on April 4, 1841, just thirty-one days after his inauguration — the shortest presidency in American history. Read the full story →

• 1949 — Twelve nations sign the North Atlantic Treaty, creating NATO

  On April 4, 1949, the United States, Canada, and ten European allies signed the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, D.C. — forming the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Read the full story →

• 1960 — Senegal gains independence from France

  On April 4, 1960, Senegal became an independent republic — ending French colonial rule and joining the wave of African decolonization after World War II. Read the full story →

• 1968 — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee

  Civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis on April 4, 1968 — a tragedy that sparked mourning and riots nationwide. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Maya Angelou (1928–2014) · Robert Downey Jr. (1965) · Graham Norton (1963) · Heath Ledger (1979–2008)

Days & observances

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action · National Walk Around Things Day · National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day · National School Librarian Day