1. The Battle of Kirksville took place on September 4, 1862: This was one of the major battles during the American Civil War in Missouri, and took place in Adair County. Confederate troops led by General John S. Marmaduke clashed with Union forces under Colonel Odon Guitar, resulting in a Confederate victory.

2. The Missouri State Fair began on September 4, 1901: The Missouri State Fair is an annual event that takes place in Sedalia, Missouri, and features carnival rides, livestock exhibits, and agricultural displays. The fair has been held every year since its inception in 1901, with the exception of 1942-1945 due to World War II.

3. Missouri native Ken Burns was born on September 4, 1953: Ken Burns is an acclaimed documentary filmmaker and producer, known for his works on American history such as "The Civil War" and "Baseball." He was born in Brooklyn, New York, but grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Walpole, New Hampshire.

4. Missouri became the 24th state on September 4, 1821: Missouri was admitted to the Union as a slave state following the Missouri Compromise, which allowed Maine to enter as a free state. The Missouri Compromise also established a line dividing the country between free and slave territories.

5. The St. Louis Cardinals won their 1st World Series championship on September 4, 1926: The Cardinals defeated the New York Yankees in a seven-game series to win their first World Series championship in franchise history. The team was led by player-manager Rogers Hornsby and pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander.