April 3
April 3 is the 94th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 272 days remain until the year's end. It falls in spring (northern hemisphere) and under the astrological sign of Aries.
External references
Curated jump-off points to the major almanacs, encyclopaedias and primary sources for this date.
Astronomy
On April 3 the Sun's declination is approximately +5.2°. At this latitude the Sun is north of the celestial equator, giving the Northern Hemisphere longer days than nights.
For specific rise/set times at your location, see the U.S. Naval Observatory, or the NASA APOD archive for any imagery published on a April 3.
Position in the year
Holidays & observances
No widely-observed holidays catalogued for this day in our base set. See the external almanacs above for region-specific observances.
Events
A selection of widely-documented historical events that took place on this date. Years marked BCE follow standard astronomical convention.
1860 — The Pony Express began its mail-delivery service between Missouri and California. ↗(166 years ago)more
The Pony Express was an American express mail service that used relays of horse-mounted riders between Missouri and California. It was operated by the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company.
1882 — Outlaw Jesse James was killed by Robert Ford in St Joseph, Missouri. ↗(144 years ago)more
Jesse Woodson James was an American outlaw, bank and train robber, guerrilla and leader of the James–Younger Gang. Raised in the "Little Dixie" area of Missouri, James and his family maintained strong Southern sympathies.
1948 — U.S. President Harry S. Truman signed the Marshall Plan, providing US$5 billion in aid to 16 European countries. ↗(78 years ago)more
The Marshall Plan was an American initiative enacted in 1948 to provide foreign aid to Western Europe. The United States transferred $13.3 billion to 17 European countries in economic recovery programs to Western European economies after the end of World War II in Europe.
1973 — Motorola engineer Martin Cooper made the first public mobile-phone call, on a Manhattan sidewalk. ↗(53 years ago)more
Martin Cooper is an American engineer. He is a pioneer in the wireless communications industry, especially in radio spectrum management, with eleven patents in the field.
Notable births
1593 — George Herbert, English poet. ↗(433 years ago)more
George Herbert was an English poet, orator, and priest of the Church of England. His poetry is associated with the writings of the metaphysical poets, and he is recognised as "one of the foremost British devotional lyricists." He was born in Wales into an artistic and wealthy family and largely raised in England.
1924 — Marlon Brando, American actor. ↗(102 years ago)more
Marlon Brando Jr. was an American actor. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential performers in the history of cinema, he received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, three BAFTAs, a Cannes Film Festival Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award.
1961 — Eddie Murphy, American comedian. ↗(65 years ago)more
Edward Regan Murphy is an American comedian, actor, and singer. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential Black artists in the entertainment industry, and one of the greatest comedians of all time.
Notable deaths
- 1882 — Jesse James, American outlaw. ↗(144 years ago)
more
Jesse Woodson James was an American outlaw, bank and train robber, guerrilla and leader of the James–Younger Gang. Raised in the "Little Dixie" area of Missouri, James and his family maintained strong Southern sympathies.
Numerical & calendrical curiosities
| Day-of-year (94) | 2 × 47 · composite (no) |
|---|---|
| Days remaining (272) | 2^4 × 17 |
| Date code DDMMYYYY | 03042026 · no palindrome in next 200 years |
| Sun declination | +5.20° (Cooper approximation) |
| Distance from solstice | 78 days |