On this day: August 4
1790 – The U.S. Coast Guard is established
On August 4, 1790, the United States Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce federal tariffs and prevent smuggling. This marked the establishment of what would later become the U.S. Coast Guard, a branch of the military responsible for maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental protection.
1914 – Germany declares war on Belgium
On August 4, 1914, Germany declared war on Belgium as part of its military strategy in World War I. This action violated Belgium’s neutrality and led to the invasion of the country by German forces. The Belgian resistance and the subsequent involvement of other countries in the conflict would eventually escalate into a global war that lasted for four years.
1964 – The bodies of missing civil rights workers are found in Mississippi
On August 4, 1964, the bodies of three missing civil rights workers – James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner – were discovered buried in an earthen dam in Mississippi. The three men had been working to register African American voters in the state when they were abducted and murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan. Their deaths brought national attention to the issue of civil rights and helped galvanize support for the movement.
1993 – A tunnel under the English Channel opens
On August 4, 1993, the Channel Tunnel, also known as the “Chunnel,” officially opened, connecting England and France for the first time via a rail tunnel under the English Channel. The tunnel, which took six years to construct, provided a direct link between the two countries and revolutionized travel between them. It remains one of the longest undersea tunnels in the world.
2007 – Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron’s home run record
On August 4, 2007, baseball player Barry Bonds hit his 756th career home run, breaking the record previously held by Hank Aaron. Bonds’ achievement was marred by controversy due to allegations of steroid use, but it remains a significant milestone in the history of baseball. The home run record would later be surpassed by other players, but Bonds’ accomplishment on this day in 2007 remains a memorable moment in the sport.
2019 – A mass shooting occurs in Dayton, Ohio
On August 4, 2019, a mass shooting took place in the Oregon District of Dayton, Ohio, leaving nine people dead and dozens injured. The gunman, who opened fire in a popular nightlife area, was quickly shot and killed by police officers. The shooting reignited debates over gun control and mental health in the United States, and highlighted the ongoing issue of mass shootings in the country.
