March 9

Scott Winters March 9, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on March 9 in history, along with notable celebrity birthdays and fun Days of the Year to celebrate.

What Happened on March 9 in History?

Important events on this day include Mattel introducing the Barbie doll, the first Ford Mustang rolling off the assembly line, U2 releasing The Joshua Tree, and the debut of the Apple Watch.

MARCH 9 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1793 – Jean Pierre Blanchard made the first balloon flight in North America. The event was witnessed by President George Washington.

1820 – Congress passed the Land Act that paved the way for westward expansion of North America.

1822 – False teeth were patented by Charles M. Graham.

1832 – Abraham Lincoln announced that he would run for a political office for the first time. He was unsuccessful in his run for a seat in the Illinois state legislature.

1859 – The National Association of Baseball Players adopted the rule that limited the size of bats to no more than 2-1/2 inches in diameter.

1897 – A patent was issued to William Spinks and William Hoskins for cue chalk.

1929 – Eric Krenz became the first athlete to toss the discus over 160 feet.

1932 – The Ford Motor Company introduced the production V-8 in its showrooms.

1949 – The first all-electric dining car was placed in service on the Illinois Central Railroad.

1954 – WNBT-TV (now WNBC-TV), in New York, NY, broadcast the first local color television commercials. The ad was for Castro Decorators of New York, NY.

1959 – Mattel introduced the Barbie doll at the annual American International Toy Fair in New York, NY. She originally was available with blonde or brunette hair. She was created by Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel. The doll was named after her own daughter Barbara.

1964 – The first Mustang rolled off the Ford assembly line.

1969 – TV’s “The Smothers Brothers’ Comedy Hour” was canceled by CBS.

1975 – Work began on the Alaskan oil pipeline.

1976 – Hot air balloon flights over Michigan become legal. It had been against the law to sell and use hot air balloons in Michigan since 1931.

1981 – Dan Rather made his debut as anchor of TV’s “The CBS Evening News”. He signed off for the last time on the same date in 2005.

1984 – The film “Children of the Corn”, based upon Stephen King’s 1977 short story of the same name, premiered in theaters.

1985 – “Gone With The Wind” went on sale in video stores across the U.S. for the first time.

1986 – U.S. Navy divers found the Space Shuttle Challenger crew compartment along with the remains of the astronauts.

1987 – U2 released their album “The Joshua Tree”.

1987 – Chrysler Corporation offered to buy American Motors Corporation.

1989 – A strike forced Eastern Airlines into bankruptcy.

1989 – President George H.W. Bush urged for a mandatory death penalty in drug-related killings.

1990 – Dr. Antonia Novello was sworn in as the first female and Hispanic surgeon general.

1993 – In California, Rodney King testified at the federal trial of four Los Angeles police officers accused of violating his civil rights.

1995 – Los Angeles, CA police detective Mark Fuhrman testified in the O.J. Simpson murder trial.

1997 – Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, 24, was killed in a still unsolved drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, CA.

2004 – John Muhammad was sentenced to death for his role in the 2002 sniper shootings in the Washington, DC area.

2005 – After 24 years, Dan Rather signed off as the anchor of TV’s “CBS Evening News”.

2005 – Dave Matthews Band tour bus driver Stefan Wohl pleaded guilty to charges of reckless conduct and discharging contaminates to cause water pollution. The previous August he had emptied his vehicle’s septic tank while driving across the open grating deck of the Kinzie Street bridge onto a boat on the Chicago River. He was sentenced to 18 months probation and 150 hours of community service.

2011 – After a total of 39 flights, the Space Shuttle Discovery made its final landing.

2015 – The Apple Watch was introduced and went on sale a little over a month later.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MARCH 9:

Joyce Van Patten – 92 years old (1934) – Actress

Andrew Viterbi – 91 years old (1935) – Engineer and businessman, co-founded Qualcomm Inc

Malcolm Bricklin – 87 years old (1939) – Businessman, founded Bricklin and Yugo

Jim Colbert – 85 years old (1941) – Golfer

Trish Van Devere – 85 years old (1941) – Actress

Mark Lindsay – 84 years old (1942) – Singer-songwriter, saxophonist, and producer

Charles Gibson – 83 years old (1943) – Journalist

Dennis Rader – 81 years old (1945) – Serial killer

Eric Fischl – 78 years old (1948) – Painter and sculptor

Jeffrey Osborne – 78 years old (1948) – Singer and drummer

Andy North – 76 years old (1950) – Golfer

Mark Dantonio – 70 years old (1956) – Football player and coach

Linda Fiorentino – 68 years old (1958) – Actress

Tom Amandes – 67 years old (1959) – Actor

Lonny Price – 67 years old (1959) – Actor, director, and screenwriter

Finn Carter – 66 years old (1960) – Actress

Rick Steiner – 65 years old (1961) – Wrestler

Darrell Walker – 65 years old (1961) – Basketball player and coach

Terry Mulholland – 63 years old (1963) – Baseball player

Phil Housley – 62 years old (1964) – Ice hockey player and coach

Brian Bosworth – 61 years old (1965) – Football player and actor

Brendan Canty – 60 years old (1966) – Drummer and songwriter

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf – 57 years old (1969) – Basketball player

Kimberly Guilfoyle – 57 years old (1969) – Lawyer and journalist

Shannon Leto – 56 years old (1970) – Musician and songwriter

Emmanuel Lewis – 55 years old (1971) – Actor

Jodey Arrington – 54 years old (1972) – Politician

Jean Louisa Kelly – 54 years old (1972) – Actress and singer

Kerr Smith – 54 years old (1972) – Actor

Aaron Boone – 53 years old (1973) – Baseball player and manager

Adonal Foyle – 51 years old (1975) – Vincentian-American basketball player

Oscar Isaac – 47 years old (1979) – Guatemalan-American actor

Jordan Klepper – 47 years old (1979) – Comedian

Matt Barnes – 46 years old (1980) – Basketball player

Chingy – 46 years old (1980) – Rapper

Matthew Gray Gubler – 46 years old (1980) – Actor

Antonio Bryant – 45 years old (1981) – Football player

Chad Gilbert – 45 years old (1981) – Musician, songwriter, and producer

Clay Rapada – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player

Clint Dempsey – 43 years old (1983) – Soccer player

Wayne Simien – 43 years old (1983) – Basketball player

Julia Mancuso – 42 years old (1984) – Skier

Jesse Litsch – 41 years old (1985) – Baseball player

Brittany Snow – 40 years old (1986) – Actress and producer

Daniel Hudson – 39 years old (1987) – Baseball player

Bow Wow – 39 years old (1987) – Rapper and actor

YG – 36 years old (1990) – Rapper

Cierra Ramirez – 31 years old (1995) – Actress and singer

Chika – 29 years old (1997) – Rapper

Najee Harris – 28 years old (1998) – Football running back

Sunisa Lee – 23 years old (2003) – Gymnast

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MARCH 9:

National Barbie Day: This iconic doll has evolved over the years, inspiring generations of children to imagine the possibilities of their own lives and futures.
Commonwealth Day: The Commonwealth is a diverse and vibrant family of nations spanning the globe, united by shared values and a commitment to democracy, justice, and prosperity for all.
Commonwealth Day in Canada: Commonwealth Day in Canada is a chance to recognize Canada’s place in a wide, voluntary network of nations that cooperate on shared priorities. It tends to be marked in a modest, community-focused way, with attention on civic values, cultural connections, and the practical work of international partnership rather than spectacle. The...
National Meatball Day: Juicy round balls of succulent meat, usually served with pasta, mashed potatoes or on their own — perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
National American Paddlefish Day: National American Paddlefish Day highlights the importance of protecting a species that has been swimming through freshwater for hundreds of millions of years. The American paddlefish, often called a "living fossil," faces the threat of extinction due to human activities like overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. This national day was created...
Made in UK Day: Supporting local craftsmanship, investing in products crafted on British soil sustains communities, fosters quality, and promotes resilience.
National Napping Day: Taking a little daytime snooze is like hitting the reset button, recharging energy levels and boosting productivity in a flash.
Bang Clang Day: Bang Clang Day is a lively and unique commemoration that draws its name from the sounds of battle, specifically the boom of heavy guns and the sharp clang of shot striking iron armor. It spotlights a moment when naval combat changed in a single weekend, swapping splintering wooden hulls for...
National False Teeth Day: Discover the secret to a confident smile, allowing one to enjoy conversations and favorite foods without worry.
Adelaide Cup Day: Adelaide Cup Day brings the theater of the racetrack to life with a mix of sport, style, and shared traditions. Centered on the Adelaide Cup at Morphettville Racecourse, the day is built around a classic long-distance thoroughbred contest, but the appeal stretches well beyond the finish line. For some, it...
Panic Day: Taking time to unwind and recharge is vital for your overall well-being. It can boost creativity, productivity, and improve your mood.
National Get Over It Day: Sometimes life throws a curveball, but with determination, perseverance, and support, anyone can overcome pain and resentment.
National Crab Meat Day: Tossed into a creamy pasta or sprinkled on a crisp salad, this ocean treasure adds a burst of flavor that's hard to resist.
National Dishwasher Day: National Dishwasher Day celebrates the convenience dishwashers bring, saving time and water while making our lives easier. The machine that hums in our kitchens scrubbing away the grime from plates deserves its moment of appreciation. Beyond just cleaning dishes, this day also reminds us of the technological marvel dishwashers represent. These...
Amerigo Vespucci Day: Amerigo Vespucci Day celebrates the explorer whose name graces the Americas. The day recognizes Vespucci’s role in revealing a new world, separate from Asia, to European minds. His explorations along South America's coast led him to conclude that the lands encountered were not connected to Asia, as many believed at...
Fill Our Staplers Day: An unsung hero of the office, the quiet "click" of a full stapler often goes unnoticed until the frustrating "clunk" of an empty one.
Eight Hours Day: Eight Hours Day marks a significant shift in workers' rights. It's a time when people come together to recognize fair labor practices. Celebrating this day reminds everyone of the balance between work and personal time. People celebrate Eight Hours Day for several reasons. It highlights the importance of fair working conditions...
Joe Franklin Day: Joe Franklin Day is a fun tribute to a man who changed how we think about entertainment. He wasn’t just a talk show host—he created something new. His interviews mixed old Hollywood charm with fresh, offbeat energy. You never knew who might show up on his couch. One moment it...
Canberra Day: How to Celebrate Canberra Day Rise and Shine with Balloons Start the day early with the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Watch colorful balloons fill the sky. The view is breathtaking. You can enjoy the display from various spots around the city. Grab a coffee and find a cozy spot to watch the sky...
National Heroes and Benefactors Day: National Heroes and Benefactors Day is a time when Belizeans honor individuals who have profoundly influenced the nation's development. Originally established to commemorate Baron Bliss, an Englishman who generously bequeathed nearly two million Belize dollars to benefit the citizens of what was then British Honduras, the holiday has since evolved...
National Groundwater Awareness Week: A vital resource, groundwater is a hidden treasure beneath our feet. Its protection is crucial for our future and the planet's.
Brain Awareness Week: Understanding the intricate dance of neurons and synapses unravels the mysteries of cognition, revealing the brain's brilliance.
PI Week: Pi Week brings math to life in a way that feels playful and unexpected. It centers around the number π, the one that starts with 3.14 and helps explain circles. But this week isn’t just about numbers. It pulls in kids, parents, teachers, and even scientists. In schools, students dive into...
Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
World Glaucoma Week: Learning about eye health highlights the silent threat to vision, encouraging proactive care and awareness.
Sleep Awareness Week: A good night's sleep is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle — proper sleeping habits can be beneficial in improving overall health.
Universal Women’s Week: Every woman has the right to equal pay, reproductive rights, and freedom from violence. Let's empower women and create a more just society.
Girl Scout Week: Girl Scout Week is a vibrant celebration that brings together Girl Scout members, alumni, and supporters. This special week kicks off with Girl Scout Sunday and wraps up with Girl Scout Sabbath, featuring daily themes that highlight different aspects of the Girl Scout experience. Activities include wearing Girl Scout uniforms...
Healthcare HR Week : As the landscape of healthcare has grown more and more complicated in recent years, those who work behind the scenes in the human resources departments are vital to keeping everything running. From paperwork to compliance, from staffing to training, Healthcare HR employees play a pivotal role in this highly demanding...
Campfire USA Birthday Week: Campfire USA Birthday Week is a celebration of youth empowerment, outdoor learning, and community spirit. It’s a time when Camp Fire councils across the country come together to recognize the growth and contributions of young people involved in the organization. Through various activities like outdoor adventures, community service, and small-group...
Catholic Sisters Week: Catholic Sisters Week is a vibrant celebration honoring the contributions of religious women. This special week brings attention to the spirituality, mission, and community-building efforts of Catholic sisters who work in various areas, including education, healthcare, and social justice. Communities come together to acknowledge the sisters' unwavering commitment and impact...
National Bubble Gum Week: National Bubble Gum Week is a lively celebration that brings joy through the simple act of blowing bubbles. During this week, people indulge in the fun and creativity that bubble gum offers. Bubble gum, with its sugary sweetness and colorful appeal, has a way of bringing out smiles and reminding us...
National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...
National Aardvark Week: Have you ever heard of aardvarks? These curious animals are like nature's oddballs roaming the African plains. Aardvarks are known for their long noses and love of ants and termites. With powerful legs, they dig to find their meals, creating big burrows that serve as homes. At night, they come...
Ramadan: During this holy month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, focusing on spiritual reflection and community. Ramadan is a time for self-improvement and bringing people together in celebration of faith.