September 9 stands as a significant date in history, marked by a range of pivotal events across centuries. From the devastating arrival of the Black Death in England during 1349 to the naming of the United States in 1776, this day encapsulates profound shifts in society and politics. What other transformative moments define this date? Uncover the layers of history that continue to shape our understanding.
History
Major Historical Events
1349 – Black Death Reaches England: On September 9, 1349, the devastating Black Death, a bubonic plague pandemic, is recorded as reaching the shores of England. This marks the beginning of widespread death and societal upheaval across the region. This catastrophic event would go on to kill millions and reshape medieval society.
1776 – United States Named Officially: On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress officially adopted the name “United States of America” for the newly independent nation. This replaced the earlier term “United Colonies.” This decision symbolized the unity and sovereignty of the states in their fight for independence from Britain.
1850 – California Becomes a State: On September 9, 1850, California was admitted as the 31st state of the United States as part of the Compromise of 1850. This admission followed the Gold Rush. It marked a significant expansion of the U.S. into the western territories.
1947 – First Computer Bug Discovered: On September 9, 1947, engineers at Harvard University discovered the first recorded “computer bug” when a moth was found interfering with the operation of the Mark II computer. This event popularized the term “bug” in the context of computer errors.
1971 – Attica Prison Riot Begins: On September 9, 1971, a major prison uprising began at the Attica Correctional Facility in New York. Inmates took hostages and demanded better living conditions. This led to a violent standoff that would end in tragedy days later with numerous deaths.
Famous Birthdays
1828 – Leo Tolstoy: On September 9, 1828, the renowned Russian author Leo Tolstoy was born in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia. Best known for masterpieces like *War and Peace* and *Anna Karenina*, Tolstoy’s works have left an indelible mark on world literature.
1890 – Colonel Harland Sanders: On September 9, 1890, Harland David Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), was born in Henryville, Indiana. His iconic recipe and entrepreneurial spirit turned KFC into a global fast-food empire.
1941 – Otis Redding: On September 9, 1941, soul music legend Otis Redding was born in Dawson, Georgia. Known for hits like “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” Redding’s powerful voice became a cornerstone of American music before his tragic death in 1967.
1966 – Adam Sandler: On September 9, 1966, actor and comedian Adam Sandler was born in Brooklyn, New York. With a career spanning comedy films like *Happy Gilmore* and dramatic roles in *Uncut Gems*, Sandler has become a household name in entertainment.
Notable Deaths
1087 – William the Conqueror: On September 9, 1087, William the Conqueror, the first Norman King of England, died in Rouen, France. His victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and subsequent reign profoundly shaped English history.
1976 – Mao Zedong: On September 9, 1976, Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China, passed away in Beijing at the age of 82. His leadership during the Chinese Communist Revolution and policies like the Cultural Revolution had a lasting impact on China and the world.
2003 – Edward Teller: On September 9, 2003, Edward Teller, often called the “father of the hydrogen bomb,” died in Stanford, California. A key figure in nuclear physics, his contributions to the development of thermonuclear weapons shaped Cold War technology.
Today in Music History
1965 – The Rolling Stones Hit No. 1: On September 9, 1965, The Rolling Stones reached the top of the UK charts with their iconic single “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” This song became a defining anthem of rock music and a cultural touchstone of the 1960s.
1972 – David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust Tour: On September 9, 1972, David Bowie performed as part of his groundbreaking Ziggy Stardust tour in the UK. This further cemented his status as a transformative figure in music and performance art with his alter ego.
1995 – Coolio Tops the Charts: On September 9, 1995, Coolio’s hit single “Gangsta’s Paradise” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Featured in the film *Dangerous Minds*, the song became a defining track of 1990s hip-hop.
Today in Sports History
1965 – Sandy Koufax’s Perfect Game: On September 9, 1965, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs. He struck out 14 batters. This remarkable feat remains one of the most celebrated achievements in baseball history.
1971 – Gordie Howe Retires (Temporarily): On September 9, 1971, hockey legend Gordie Howe announced his retirement from the Detroit Red Wings after an illustrious career in the NHL. He would later return to play in the WHA, extending his remarkable legacy.
1993 – Steffi Graf Wins U.S. Open: On September 9, 1993, tennis star Steffi Graf won the U.S. Open women’s singles title. She defeated Helena Suková. This victory added to her impressive tally of Grand Slam titles during a dominant era in women’s tennis.
2015 – Serena Williams’ Streak Continues: On September 9, 2015, Serena Williams advanced in the U.S. Open. This continued her pursuit of a calendar-year Grand Slam. Though she ultimately fell short, her performance that year captivated the sports world.
Today in Military and Naval History
1739 – Stono Rebellion Begins: On September 9, 1739, the Stono Rebellion, one of the largest slave uprisings in colonial America, began in South Carolina. Enslaved Africans fought for their freedom. This led to a violent clash with colonial militia.
1861 – Battle of Carnifex Ferry: On September 9, 1861, Union forces under General William Rosecrans engaged Confederate troops in the Battle of Carnifex Ferry in western Virginia during the American Civil War. This secured a strategic victory for the North.
1943 – Allied Invasion of Salerno: On September 9, 1943, Allied forces launched Operation Avalanche, landing at Salerno, Italy, during World War II. This invasion marked a critical step in the campaign to liberate Italy from Axis control.
Today in Tech and Science History
1947 – First Computer Bug Incident: On September 9, 1947, a moth was found disrupting the Harvard Mark II computer. This led to the first documented use of the term “bug” in computing. This quirky moment became a milestone in tech history.
1956 – Elvis Presley on The Ed Sullivan Show: On September 9, 1956, Elvis Presley made his first appearance on *The Ed Sullivan Show*. It was filmed from the waist up due to concerns over his dance moves. This broadcast marked a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology and pop culture.
2015 – Apple Introduces iPhone 6s: On September 9, 2015, Apple introduced the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus at a keynote event. It featured innovations like 3D Touch. This launch continued Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1901 – Toulouse-Lautrec’s Death: On September 9, 1901, French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec passed away at the age of 36. Known for his vibrant depictions of Parisian nightlife, his work remains iconic in the world of post-impressionist art.
1956 – Elvis Presley’s Cultural Impact: On September 9, 1956, Elvis Presley’s debut on *The Ed Sullivan Show* drew millions of viewers. This cemented his status as a cultural icon. It sparked debates about youth culture and morality in the 1950s.
1975 – *Jaws* Becomes a Blockbuster: On September 9, 1975, Steven Spielberg’s *Jaws* continued its record-breaking run in theaters. It had premiered earlier that summer. The film redefined the summer blockbuster and influenced modern cinema.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1947 – A Moth Makes Tech History: On September 9, 1947, a moth caused a malfunction in the Harvard Mark II computer. This led to the term “bug” being used for tech glitches. This odd incident became a humorous footnote in the history of computing.
1976 – Mao’s Unusual Funeral Plans: On September 9, 1976, following Mao Zedong’s death, his body was preserved for public viewing. This manner puzzled many. It reflected the unique cultural practices surrounding his legacy in China.
1850 – California’s Rapid Statehood: On September 9, 1850, California skipped the usual territorial phase and jumped straight to statehood. This was largely due to the Gold Rush. This unusual fast-track process baffled many at the time.
Today in History for Kids
1776 – A New Name for a Country: On September 9, 1776, the leaders of a new country decided to call it the “United States of America.” Before this, they called it the “United Colonies.” They wanted a name that showed they were one big team!
1850 – California Joins the USA: On September 9, 1850, California became a state in the United States. People had rushed there to find gold. Soon it was important enough to join the country as a full state.
1947 – A Bug in a Computer: On September 9, 1947, a tiny moth got stuck in a giant computer at a school called Harvard. It caused the machine to stop working. That’s why we call computer problems “bugs” today!
1965 – A Baseball Superstar: On September 9, 1965, a baseball player named Sandy Koufax did something amazing. He threw a “perfect game,” which means no one on the other team got on base. It’s super rare and exciting!
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1349 – A Deadly Plague Arrives: On September 9, 1349, the Black Death reached England. This started one of the worst disasters in history. Did you know that this plague killed nearly half of Europe’s population in just a few years?
1776 – What’s in a Name?: On September 9, 1776, the name “United States of America” was chosen. Fun fact: some early ideas for the name included “Columbia” before settling on the one that’s known today.
1947 – Buggy Beginnings: On September 9, 1947, the first “computer bug” was literally a bug. This was a moth! This funny moment happened at Harvard and gave us a word we still use for tech troubles.
1965 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Rules: On September 9, 1965, The Rolling Stones’ song “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” became a huge hit. Fun fact: the song’s famous guitar riff was created almost by accident during a late-night recording session!
1971 – A Hockey Legend Steps Away: On September 9, 1971, Gordie Howe retired from hockey for the first time. Did you know he was nicknamed “Mr. Hockey” because he was so amazing at the game?