“Step into the time machine with us as we navigate the corridors of history on January 9. Uncover the untold stories and hidden gems that have unfolded on this date throughout the ages. From triumphs that echo through the corridors of power to the quieter moments that shaped societies, ‘Major Historical Events on January 9 – Today in History’ invites you to embark on a captivating journey through time, where every day is a chapter waiting to be unveiled.”
Major Historical Events on January 9 – Today in History
1558 – Geneva Gains Independence
Breaking away from the control of the Swiss canton of Berne, Geneva declared its independence. This pivotal moment set the stage for Geneva to become a center of Protestant reform and later, international diplomacy.
1580 – Drake’s Golden Hind
On this adventurous journey, Drake’s ship, the ‘Golden Hind,’ encountered a reef off the Celebes islands. Miraculously recovering, the ship continued to Java, rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and returned triumphantly to England.
1768 – First Modern Circus
Philip Astley, an English equestrian, created the first modern circus in London. He presented shows that included horse riding tricks, acrobats, clowns, and jugglers, setting the standard for circuses worldwide.
1788 – Connecticut Ratifies Constitution
As the fifth state to do so, Connecticut’s ratification was a crucial step toward the enactment of the United States Constitution, contributing to the foundational legal framework of the nation.
1793 – US Balloon Flight
In a pioneering aviation event, Jean Pierre Blanchard piloted the first hot-air balloon flight in the United States, taking off from Philadelphia and marking a milestone in American aviation history.
1799 – Introduction of Income Tax
British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger introduced income tax as a temporary measure to fund the war against Napoleon. This tax, however, became a permanent fixture in British fiscal policy.
1811 – Women’s Golf Tournament
In a significant moment for women in sports, the first known golf tournament for women was held. This event marked the beginning of the long journey toward equality in sports.
1822 – Dia do Fico
In a defiant stance, Prince Pedro of Portugal chose to stay in Brazil despite orders to return to Lisbon, eventually leading to his proclamation as Dom Pedro I of Brazil and the country’s independence from Portuguese rule.
1847 – First San Francisco Newspaper
The ‘California Star’ became the first newspaper published in San Francisco, marking the beginning of the city’s rich journalistic history and providing a critical source of information to its early residents.
1848 – San Francisco’s First Bank
The establishment of the first commercial bank in San Francisco facilitated financial transactions in the rapidly growing city during the California Gold Rush, playing a key role in its economic development.
1858 – Jones’ Tragic End
Anson Jones, the last President of the Republic of Texas before it became a U.S. state, tragically took his own life, marking a somber end to a significant figure in Texan history.
1862 – First Petroleum Shipment
The Elizabeth Watts made history by delivering the first petroleum shipment from the U.S. to Europe, with 1,329 barrels arriving at Victoria Docks in London, signaling the beginning of international oil trade.
1894 – Motion Picture Copyright
William K.L. Dickson received the first U.S. copyright for a motion picture format for “Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze,” a significant milestone in the history of film and intellectual property.
1903 – Yankees’ Beginnings
Frank Farrell and Bill Devery purchased the American League’s Baltimore baseball franchise for $18,000 and moved it to New York City, where it would eventually become the renowned New York Yankees.
1909 – Shackleton’s Farthest South
As part of the British Nimrod Expedition, Ernest Shackleton reached a record southern latitude of 88°23′, setting a new benchmark for Antarctic exploration and expanding our understanding of the most remote place on Earth.
1923 – Swaraj Party Founded
In India, the Swaraj Party was established with Chittaranjan Das as president and Motilal Nehru as secretary, aiming for greater Indian self-governance and playing a significant role in the country’s independence movement.
1937 – Italian Marriage Ban
The Italian regime, as part of its wider racial laws and during its occupation of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), banned marriages between Italians and Abyssinians, reflecting the era’s pervasive racial prejudices.
1947 – NBA’s First 40-Point Game
Dino Martin of the Providence Steamrollers scored the first-ever 40 points in an NBA game, setting a new standard for individual game performance in the league’s early years.
1951 – Film Receives X-Rating
The film “Life After Tomorrow” became the first to receive an “X” rating, marking a new era in motion picture content classification and public perception of adult-themed films.
1961 – Twins’ Territory Payment
The Twins agreed to a $500,000 payment to the American Association for the Minneapolis/St. Paul territory, facilitating the franchise’s move and setting a precedent for territorial rights in sports.
1964 – Panama Canal Riots
Anti-U.S. rioting in the Panama Canal Zone erupted, highlighting the growing tensions and nationalistic sentiments in Panama concerning American control over the canal area.
1968 – First ABA All-Star
The East beat the West 126-120 in the first ABA All-Star Game, showcasing the new league’s talent and becoming a celebrated event in basketball history.
1969 – Concorde’s First Flight
The Concorde supersonic jetliner took its first trial flight in Bristol, England, symbolizing a significant leap in aviation technology and the beginning of supersonic passenger travel.
1972 – British Miners Strike
British coal miners began a national strike, the first in half a century, significantly impacting the nation’s energy supply and marking a critical moment in labor history.
1977 – Tanner Wins Australian Open
American Roscoe Tanner won his first and only Grand Slam event at the Australian Open, defeating Guillermo Vilas of Argentina in a memorable and decisive victory.
1984 – Lennon’s Posthumous Single
John Lennon’s single “Nobody Told Me” was released posthumously, providing fans with new music from the late artist and adding to his enduring legacy.
1993 – Van Almsick’s World Record
Franziska van Almsick set a world record in the 100m freestyle with a time of 53.33 seconds, marking her as one of the fastest swimmers of her time.
1994 – Niemann and Ritsma Records
Gunda Niemann skated into history with a world record score of 167.282 points, showcasing her dominance and skill in the sport of speed skating.
2001 – Apple Introduces iTunes
Rintje Ritsma also set a world record in speed skating with 156.201 points, making 1994 a remarkable year for breakthroughs in the sport.
2005 – People’s Choice Awards
Apple introduced iTunes at the Macworld Expo in San Francisco, revolutionizing how people organize and play digital music and videos, and changing the media landscape forever.
2005 – Sudanese Peace Agreement
Johnny Depp and Julia Roberts won for Motion Picture, while Matt LeBlanc and Marg Helgenberger won for TV at the 31st People’s Choice Awards, reflecting their popularity and impact in entertainment.
2007 – iPhone Announced
Apple Inc CEO Steve Jobs announced the iPhone, revolutionizing the smartphone industry with its touch screen interface and internet connectivity, marking the beginning of a new era in mobile technology and communication.
2018 – Australia’s Same-Sex Marriage
The first same-sex marriages occurred in Australia following the passage of legislation a month prior, symbolizing a significant step towards equality and recognition of LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
2021 – Sriwijaya Air Crash
Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 tragically crashed into the Java Sea shortly after taking off from Jakarta, Indonesia, resulting in the loss of all 62 people on board and marking a somber moment in aviation history.
2023 – Georgia’s Championship Win
The University of Georgia’s football team achieved the most lopsided victory in College Football National Championship history, defeating Texas Christian University 65-7 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, showcasing their dominance in the sport.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on January 6 – Today in History
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