Discover what happened on August 9 in history as remarkable achievements, historic milestones, technological advances, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on August 9 in History?
Important events on this day include President Richard Nixon becoming the first U.S. president to resign from office, Gerald Ford taking the oath of office, the atomic bombing of Nagasaki during World War II, Jesse Owens winning his fourth Olympic gold medal, and the premiere of Shark Tank.
AUGUST 9 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1173 -Construction began on the bell tower of the Cathedral of Pisa, now known worldwide as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It would take two centuries to complete.
1790 – The first ship to carry the American Flag around the world, The Columbia, returned to Boston Harbor after a three-year voyage.
1831 – The first steam locomotive began its first trip between Schenectady and Albany, NY.
1859 – Nathan Ames received a patent for an early escalator design, although it was never constructed.
1892 – Thomas Edison received a patent for a two-way telegraph.
1910 – A.J. Fisher received a patent for the electric washing machine.
1930 – Betty Boop made her cartoon debut in “Dizzy Dishes”, created by Max Fleischer.
1936 – At the Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, Jesse Owens won his fourth gold medal, becoming the first American to win four medals in one Olympic Games.
1944 – The U.S. Forest Service introduced Smokey Bear as part of a new wildfire prevention campaign.
1945 – The U.S. dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. An estimated 70,000–80,000 people died by the end of 1945. Japan announced its surrender six days later.
1945 – NBC carried one of the first live network television news broadcasts, reporting on the bombing of Nagasaki.
1947 – An earthquake centered in southern Ontario shook much of Michigan, damaging chimneys and plaster as far north as Muskegon and Saginaw.
1969 – In the early morning hours of August 9th, pregnant actress Sharon Tate was stabbed to death and four others were killed (knives and gunshots) in a home in the Hollywood Hills, CA. Charles Manson and his cult are later convicted of the crime.
1974 – President Richard M. Nixon formally resigned. His Vice President, Gerald R. Ford, took his place, and became the 38th President of the United States.
1975 – The New Orleans Superdome was officially opened when the Saints played the Houston Oilers in exhibition football. The new Superdome cost $163 million to build.
1981 – Major league baseball teams resumed play at the conclusion of the first mid-season players’ strike.
1985 – The movie “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” debuted in theaters.
1989 – Director James Cameron’s undersea movie, “The Abyss”, premiered in theaters.
2000 – Bridgestone/Firestone announced the recall of 6.5 million tires implicated in hundreds of accidents and at least 46 deaths. This became one of the largest tire recalls in U.S. history and led to major changes in tire safety regulations.
2001 – President George W. Bush announced he would support federal funding for limited medical research on embryonic stem cells.
2004 – Donald Duck received the 2,257th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2004 – Trump Hotel and Casion Resorts announced plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
2009 – The TV show “Shark Tank” premiered on ABC.
2012 – Usain Bolt became the first person to win the 100 meter and 200 meter sprint in back to back Olympics.
2014 – The shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, sparked protests, civil unrest, and a national conversation about policing and race in America.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 9:
Bob Cousy – 98 years old (1928) – Basketball player and coach
Chuck Essegian – 95 years old (1931) – Baseball player and lawyer
Julián Javier – 90 years old (1936) – Dominican-American baseball player
Linda Keen – 86 years old (1940) – Mathematician and academic
Sam Elliott – 82 years old (1944) – Actor and producer
Barbara Delinsky – 81 years old (1945) – Author
Barbara Mason – 79 years old (1947) – R&B/soul singer-songwriter
John Varley – 79 years old (1947) – Author
Jonathan Kellerman – 77 years old (1949) – Psychologist and author
Ted Simmons – 77 years old (1949) – Baseball player and coach
Steve Swisher – 75 years old (1951) – Baseball player and manager
John E. Sweeney – 71 years old (1955) – Lawyer and politician
Melanie Griffith – 69 years old (1957) – Actress and producer
Amanda Bearse – 68 years old (1958) – Actress, comedian and director
Kurtis Blow – 67 years old (1959) – Rapper, producer, and actor
Michael Kors – 67 years old (1959) – Fashion designer
Brad Gilbert – 65 years old (1961) – Tennis player and sportscaster
Louis Lipps – 64 years old (1962) – Football player and radio host
Kevin Mack – 64 years old (1962) – Football player
Brett Hull – 62 years old (1964) – Canadian-American ice hockey player and manager
Hoda Kotb – 62 years old (1964) – Journalist and television personality
Vinny Del Negro – 60 years old (1966) – Basketball player and coach
Deion Sanders – 59 years old (1967) – Football and baseball player and coach
Gillian Anderson – 58 years old (1968) – American-British actress, activist and writer
Sam Fogarino – 58 years old (1968) – Drummer
McG – 58 years old (1968) – Director and producer
Troy Percival – 57 years old (1969) – Baseball player and coach
Chris Cuomo – 56 years old (1970) – Lawyer and journalist
Thomas Lennon – 56 years old (1970) – Actor and comedian
Ryan Bollman – 54 years old (1972) – Actor
Gene Luen Yang – 53 years old (1973) – Author and illustrator
Derek Fisher – 52 years old (1974) – Basketball player and coach
Matt Morris – 52 years old (1974) – Baseball player
Kirill Reznik – 52 years old (1974) – Lawyer and politician
Mike Lamb – 51 years old (1975) – Baseball player
Jessica Capshaw – 50 years old (1976) – Actress
Jason Frasor – 49 years old (1977) – Baseball player
Chamique Holdsclaw – 49 years old (1977) – Basketball player
Adewale Ogunleye – 49 years old (1977) – Football player
Ime Udoka – 49 years old (1977) – Basketball player and coach
Kliff Kingsbury – 47 years old (1979) – Football coach
Tony Stewart – 47 years old (1979) – Football player
Jarvis Hayes – 45 years old (1981) – Basketball player
Joel Anthony – 44 years old (1982) – Basketball player
Tyson Gay – 44 years old (1982) – Sprinter
Anna Kendrick – 41 years old (1985) – Actress and singer
Hayley Peirsol – 41 years old (1985) – Swimmer
Vivek Ramaswamy – 41 years old (1985) – Entrepreneur and politician
JaMarcus Russell – 41 years old (1985) – Football player
Tyler Smith – 40 years old (1986) – Singer-songwriter and bass player
Anthony Castonzo – 38 years old (1988) – Football player
Jason Heyward – 37 years old (1989) – Baseball player
Sarah McBride – 36 years old (1990) – LGBT activist
Alexa Bliss – 35 years old (1991) – Bodybuilder and wrestler
Kelli Hubly – 32 years old (1994) – Soccer player
Eli Apple – 31 years old (1995) – Football player
Justice Smith – 31 years old (1995) – Actor
Aidan Hutchinson – 26 years old (2000) – Football player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR AUGUST 9:
- Melon Day: Savoring the juicy sweetness of summer's bounty, biting into the refreshing fruit that brings a burst of refreshment on a warm day.
- National Book Lovers Day: Crack open your favorite book, visit a bookshop or library to find your next great read, and enjoy the relaxation and joy of being a reader and book lover.
- Sinjska Alka: Sinjska Alka is a unique equestrian tournament held annually in the town of Sinj, Croatia. This event is a vibrant celebration of tradition, skill, and national pride. Riders known as Alkars, dressed in traditional costumes, compete to spear a small iron ring called the "alka" while galloping at full speed...
- National Rice Pudding Day: Try your hand at making your own rice pudding, a sweet, subtly-flavored dessert that is easy to make with just rice, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, raisins, and cinnamon.
- Betty Boop Day: Discover the charm and legacy of an iconic animated character who captivated audiences with her unique style.
- International Coworking Day: Working with others can improve productivity and offer social outlets at work. Attend a seminar, or talk to your boss about coworking opportunities where you work.
- National Passion Fruit Day: Exotic, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this tropical fruit captivates palates with its tangy sweetness and aromatic allure.
- Hold Hands Day: Interlocking fingers, hearts connect in a sweet, non-verbal language that's like a warm hug for the soul. Simply heartwarming!
- National Billiards & Pool Day: A classic pastime, this intricate and noble game of cues and precision invites devotees to gather in timeless camaraderie.
- Gay Uncles Day: Gay Uncles Day brings warmth and joy to queer family bonds. It celebrates LGBTQ relatives—especially gay uncles—who bring extra care, laughter, and connection into children’s lives. Families share photos and kind words online, helping queer kin feel appreciated and visible. Loving interactions—playing games, telling stories, giving hugs—become vivid moments of...
- National Spirit of ’45 Day: Have you ever wondered what held people together after World War II ended? National Spirit of '45 Day honors that powerful sense of unity. It's not about battles or victory. It’s about what came next—neighbors helping neighbors, families rebuilding, and communities choosing hope over fear. This day shines a light on...
- International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples celebrates the rich cultures, languages, and traditions of Indigenous communities globally. This observance acknowledges their vital role in preserving biodiversity and their deep connection to the environment. By honoring their unique perspectives, we enrich our collective understanding of the world. This day also highlights...
- National Women’s Day: From politics to sports, women have shattered the glass ceiling in many fields, and continue to pave the way for equality and representation.
- National Veep Day: Overlooked yet influential, vice presidents shape policy, represent leadership, and balance executive duties effectively within government.
- Cantabria Day: Cantabria Day is a vibrant celebration that highlights the rich cultural identity of the Cantabrian people in northern Spain. This day signifies the region's unique customs, language, and traditions. Communities across Cantabria come alive with music, dance, and festivities, creating a colorful display of local pride. Traditional costumes, parades, and communal...
- Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
- National Twins Day: National Twins Day is a vibrant celebration that recognizes and honors the unique connection between twins. This day is not just about the remarkable similarities twins share but also about embracing their individuality. Across the globe, twins, their families, and friends come together to share experiences and celebrate the extraordinary...
- Simplify Your Life Week: Embracing minimalism, decluttering spaces, and focusing on what truly matters, finding peace in simplicity and mindful living.
- Bristol Balloon Fiesta: The Bristol Balloon Fiesta fills the sky with a vibrant display of colors and shapes, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Large and small hot air balloons float gracefully above the city, offering a breathtaking spectacle. People gather from all around, excited to witness the early morning and evening ascents...
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