In History, Today on June 4

Roquefort cheese is first mentioned in historical records, marking its origin in the caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, France.

King Charles VI of France grants a monopoly for the ripening of Roquefort cheese to the people of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon.

The Montgolfier brothers publicly demonstrate their hot air balloon in Annonay, France, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.

Captain George Vancouver claims Puget Sound for Great Britain during his exploration of the Pacific Northwest.

The Transcontinental Express arrives in San Francisco, California, via the First Transcontinental Railroad, completing the journey in 83 hours and 39 minutes from New York City.

Henry Ford completes his first successful test drive of the Ford Quadricycle, his first gasoline-powered automobile.

Emily Davison, a suffragette, runs out in front of King George V's horse, Anmer, at the Epsom Derby, suffering fatal injuries in her protest for women's suffrage.

The first Pulitzer Prizes are awarded: Laura E. Richards, Maud Howe Elliott, and Florence Hall receive the first Pulitzer for biography, and Jean Jules Jusserand receives the first Pulitzer for history.

Winston Churchill delivers his famous 'We shall fight on the beaches' speech to the House of Commons, rallying British resolve during World War II.

The Battle of Midway begins, marking a turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II as the United States Navy decisively defeats the Imperial Japanese Navy.

The Tiananmen Square Massacre occurs as Chinese troops and security police storm through Tiananmen Square in Beijing, killing and arresting thousands of pro-democracy protesters.

Gyanendra is crowned King of Nepal following the royal massacre in which King Birendra and several members of the royal family were killed.

Marvin Heemeyer, a disgruntled welder, goes on a rampage with a modified bulldozer in Granby, Colorado, causing significant property damage.

The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 are commemorated by tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong, marking the 20th anniversary of the event.

The first successful flight of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket takes place, marking a significant milestone in private space exploration.

The United Nations General Assembly elects Jordan, Lithuania, and Nigeria as non-permanent members of the Security Council.

Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupts, resulting in the deaths of at least 190 people and causing widespread destruction.