What Happened on December 4?
December 4 is National Cookie Day — a sweet excuse to share treats — on the same date George Washington said goodbye to his officers in 1783, Mars Pathfinder launched in 1996, and the Senate backed U.S. membership in the United Nations in 1945.
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1783 — Washington bids farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern
On December 4, 1783, General George Washington tearfully thanked Continental Army officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York before resigning power. Read the full story →
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1791 — The Observer, the world’s first Sunday newspaper, is published
On December 4, 1791, London’s The Observer appeared — widely cited as the first Sunday newspaper. Read the full story →
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1875 — Political boss William “Boss” Tweed escapes jail
On December 4, 1875, corrupt New York political boss William M. Tweed escaped from jail — a sensational twist in the Tammany Hall scandal. Read the full story →
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1918 — President Wilson sails for the Paris Peace Conference
On December 4, 1918, Woodrow Wilson left for Europe — the first sitting U.S. president to travel to Europe while in office — to help shape peace after World War I. Read the full story →
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1945 — U.S. Senate approves joining the United Nations
On December 4, 1945, the U.S. Senate voted to accept membership in the new United Nations — rejecting isolation after World War II. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Jeff Bridges (1949) · Jay-Z (1969) · Tyra Banks (1973) · Rainn Wilson (1966)
Days & observances
National Cookie Day · Wear Brown Shoes Day · Wildlife Conservation Day · National Santa’s List Day