1. In 1793, President George Washington approved the creation of the United States Marine Band, also known as "The President's Own," on February 4th. It is one of the oldest professional musical organizations in the United States and continues to perform at official ceremonies and events.

2. On February 4, 1861, delegates from six southern states met in Montgomery, Alabama, to form the Confederate States of America. This act would ultimately lead to the American Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865.

3. In 1913, Alice Paul arrived in Washington D.C. and began her work as a women's suffrage activist. She played a major role in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. February 4th is now celebrated each year as National Girls and Women in Sports Day in recognition of Paul's contributions.

4. On February 4, 1959, four young musicians from Washington state, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, and pilot Roger Peterson, were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. The tragedy later became known as "The Day the Music Died," and inspired the hit song "American Pie" by Don McLean.

5. In 1997, the Washington State Legislature passed a landmark environmental policy on February 4th, creating the Salish Sea Marine Ecosystem Protection Area. The Salish Sea is a complex network of waterways that includes Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The protection area is designed to safeguard this vital ecosystem for future generations.