Today in History: Facebook, St. Jude, and More

A look back at notable events and birthdays on February 4th

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Today's 'Way Back When' highlights several significant historical events that occurred on February 4th, including the founding of St. Jude Children's Hospital by actor Danny Thomas, the launch of Facebook by Mark Zuckerberg and his Harvard roommates, and the election of George Washington as the first US president with 100% of the electoral vote. The report also includes music history and notable birthdays for the day.

Why it matters

This 'Way Back When' feature provides an engaging look at the rich history and cultural milestones that have occurred on this date, giving readers a sense of how the past continues to shape the present. By highlighting a diverse range of events, from the founding of a major children's hospital to the launch of a pioneering social media platform, the report offers insights into the evolution of American society.

The details

On February 4, 1789, George Washington was elected as the first president of the United States, receiving 100% of the electoral vote - a feat that has never been repeated. In 1962, actor Danny Thomas founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, fulfilling a promise he had made while struggling as a 'starving actor' to open a shrine to the patron saint of hopeless causes, St. Jude Thaddeus. And in 2004, Mark Zuckerberg and his Harvard roommates launched the social media website Facebook, initially limiting membership to only Harvard students.

  • On February 4, 1789, George Washington was elected president with 100% of the electoral vote.
  • On February 4, 1962, actor Danny Thomas founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
  • On February 4, 2004, Mark Zuckerberg and his Harvard roommates launched Facebook.

The players

George Washington

The first president of the United States, elected in 1789 with 100% of the electoral vote.

Danny Thomas

An actor who founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in 1962, fulfilling a promise he had made while struggling as a 'starving actor'.

Mark Zuckerberg

The co-founder of Facebook, which he launched with his Harvard roommates in 2004.

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What they’re saying

“While a 'starving actor', he swore if he found success, he would open a shrine to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes.”

— Danny Thomas, Actor and Founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (wcsy.com)

“They initially limited membership to only Harvard students.”

— Mark Zuckerberg, Co-founder of Facebook (wcsy.com)

The takeaway

This 'Way Back When' feature highlights the enduring impact of historical events, from the founding of iconic institutions like St. Jude Children's Hospital to the launch of transformative technologies like Facebook. By connecting the past to the present, the report underscores how the decisions and actions of individuals can shape the course of history and continue to influence our lives today.