What Happened on October 4?

October 4 is World Animal Day — and the date Sputnik began the Space Age in 1957, Catholic lands skipped ahead on the Gregorian calendar in 1582, and more.

• 1535 — Miles Coverdale's English Bible is printed

  On October 4, 1535, Miles Coverdale's complete English Bible was printed — an early step toward Scripture in everyday English. Read the full story →

• 1582 — Italy and other Catholic lands adopt the Gregorian calendar

  In October 1582, Pope Gregory XIII's calendar reform skipped days so the calendar would match the seasons again — Italian states advanced from October 4 to October 15. Read the full story →

• 1822 — Rutherford B. Hayes is born in Ohio

  On October 4, 1822, future U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes was born in Delaware, Ohio. Read the full story →

• 1957 — Sputnik 1 becomes the first artificial satellite

  On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1 — a beach-ball-sized satellite that beeped from orbit and started the Space Age. Read the full story →

• 1957 — Leave It to Beaver premieres on U.S. television

  On October 4, 1957 — the same day as Sputnik — the family sitcom Leave It to Beaver premiered, showing suburban life through a kid's eyes. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Rutherford B. Hayes (1822–1893) · Anne Rice (1941–2021) · Susan Sarandon (1946) · Dakota Johnson (1989)

Days & observances

World Animal Day · National Taco Day · National Cinnamon Roll Day · Improve Your Office Day