September 4: What Happened on This Day in History (Elementary Level)?

(Page last edited 10/12/2017)

1. In 1807, Fulton built the first commercial steamboat, the North River Steamboat (later known as the Clermont), which carried passengers between New York City and Albany, New York.
2. In 1885, the Exchange Buffet in New York City opened. It was the first self-service restaurant in the United States, catering to only male clientele. Food was purchased at a counter, and patrons ate standing up.
3. In 1888, the first roll-film camera was patented by George Eastman. He also registers the name "Kodak".
4. In 1893, Beatrix Potter, an English author, first tells the story of Peter Rabbit.
5. In 1972, Mark Spitz, a swimmer from the United States, becomes the first athlete to win 7 Olympic gold medals.
6. Famous Birthdays: Damon Wayans (actor -In Living Color, Major Payne, Blankman), Shane Gould (freestyle swimmer - Olympics-3 Gold-1972), Sarah Childress Polk (1st lady from 1845-1849),Lewis H Latimer (inventor/engineer) , Luis Lopez (infielder for the San Diego Padres)

For famous birthdays and other daily events in history, visit our Daily Dose Activities.

Click Here for Yesterday in History: September 3

Click Here for Tomorrow in History: September 5

For more history resources on Internet 4 Classrooms, visit our Social Studies and History index. For Pre K-8th Grade Level History and Social Studies Resources, visit our Grade Level Index.