Join us on a historical journey to uncover the Major Historical Events on May 9. Discover key moments spanning continents and centuries that offer a unique glimpse into humanity’s past.
Major Historical Events on May 9- Today in History
Columbus’s Final Voyage – 1502 AD
Master navigator Christopher Columbus embarked on his fourth and final voyage from Cádiz, Spain, in 1502, in pursuit of an elusive passage to Asia.
Birth of John Brown – 1800 AD
Born in Torrington, Connecticut, American abolitionist John Brown, infamous for his assault on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, played a pivotal role in precipitating the American Civil War.
J.M. Barrie: Creator of Peter Pan – 1860 AD
Hailing from Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland, dramatist J.M. Barrie’s most enduring creation, Peter Pan, immortalizes the concept of eternal youth.
The Rise of Mike Wallace – 1918 AD
American television interviewer and reporter Mike Wallace, renowned for his confrontational style on the show 60 Minutes, entered the world.
The Historic North Pole Flight – 1926 AD
In a daring feat of aviation, Richard E. Byrd and his co-pilot Floyd Bennett claimed the first flight over the North Pole. However, the discovery of Byrd’s diary raised questions about the extent of their achievement. It hinted that they might have been forced to turn back 150 miles shy of the pole due to an oil leak, casting a shadow over the historic flight.
Italy Annexes Ethiopia – 1936 AD
Seven months after forcing Emperor Haile Selassie I into exile and invading Ethiopia, Italy annexed the country as part of Italian East Africa.
Ralph Boston: Track-and-Field Pioneer – 1939 AD
Laurel, Mississippi, welcomed the birth of Ralph Boston, the trailblazing American track-and-field athlete who first soared past the 27-feet mark in the long jump.
Premiere of Vertigo – 1958 AD
Alfred Hitchcock’s masterful psychological thriller, Vertigo, starring James Stewart and Kim Novak, captivated audiences upon its premiere in San Francisco, securing its place as one of cinema’s greatest works.
Approval of the Birth Control Pill – 1960 AD
A significant milestone in reproductive rights, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval for the first birth control pill.
Nixon Impeachment Hearings Commence – 1974 AD
The U.S. House Judiciary Committee initiated formal hearings in the impeachment investigation of President Richard M. Nixon.
Release of Friday the 13th – 1980 AD
The iconic horror film, Friday the 13th, depicting the terror of summer camp counselors stalked by a masked killer, hit theaters, paving the way for a lucrative franchise.
Little Richard: Rock and Roll Icon – 2020 AD
The passing of American singer and pianist Little Richard marked the end of an era, as his groundbreaking hits in the mid-1950s shaped the landscape of rock and roll.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on May 8- Today in History
