1. The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established in New York City on December 4, 1946, to provide emergency relief to children affected by World War II.

2. On December 4, 1956, a group of African American boycotters on board a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, were arrested for refusing to give up their seats to white passengers. This event would eventually lead to the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the eventual desegregation of public transportation in the United States.

3. The New York City Police Department’s first female police officer, Mary A. Hamilton, was sworn in on December 4, 1918. Hamilton served for over 30 years, breaking barriers for women in law enforcement.

4. On December 4, 1783, George Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army in Fraunces Tavern in Manhattan. This speech marked the end of the Revolutionary War and Washington’s leadership of the army.

5. The New York City subway system officially opened on December 4, 1904, with the 9.1-mile-long Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) line running from City Hall to 145th Street in Harlem. The subway system has since expanded to become the largest in the world, with 472 stations spanning over 245 miles.