Fact 1: A Day of Iconic Birthdays
April 9 is the birth date of several notable figures across a variety of fields. Actor Hugh Hefner, fashion designer Marc Jacobs, late rapper Nipsey Hussle, and Austro-Hungarian model Paulina Porizkova all share this birthday. This day is especially studded with stars in the entertainment industry.
Fact 2: Anniversary of the US Civil War's End
On April 9, 1865, the United States' civil war reached its dramatic conclusion. Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant in the Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia, effectively ending one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.
Fact 3: Introduction of the Dollar Bill
The city of New York saw the first issuance of dollar bills on April 9, 1862. This monetary form is now used globally and is one of the main symbols of American capitalism.
Fact 4: A Remarkable Day for Talented Females
April 9th is a spectacular day for talented women. A number of well-established female figures were born on this day including actress Kristen Stewart, French singer-songwriter Françoise Hardy, and French actress-singer Sophie Marceau.
Fact 5: The National Unicorn Day
On a cheerier note, April 9 is also recognized as National Unicorn Day! This special day offers an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge these magical and mythical creatures celebrated in folklore and children’s stories.
Fact 6: Signup of the Antarctic Treaty
The Antarctic Treaty, which outlines the agreement for the peaceful usage of Antarctica, was signed on April 9, 1961, by 49 countries. The accord bans any military activity, mineral mining, nuclear tests and nuclear waste disposal.
Fact 7: NASA's Apollo 6 Lift-Off
April 9, 1968, saw the launching of NASA's Apollo 6 – the final uncrewed Apollo test mission. The flight tested the Saturn V launch vehicle in a scenario that closely resembled the future human spaceflight missions like Apollo 11, which put the first man on the moon.
Fact 8: World's Largest Puzzle Completed
On April 9, 2011, the world's largest jigsaw puzzle with over 551,232 pieces was completed in Vietnam, marking a remarkable milestone in the world of trivia history.
Fact 9: The "Three Cardinals Day"
In a strange coincidence, three successive popes were elected on April 9, leading some to refer to it as the "Three Cardinals Day." These include Pope Eutychian in 275, Pope Saint Julius I in 337, and finally Pope Eugene II in 824.
Fact 10: Birth of the Fibonacci Sequence
The famous Fibonacci sequence recognized in many facets of life found its birthplace in an important publication released by Leonardo of Pisa on April 9, 1202.
Fact 11: Coronation of Queen Isabella II of Spain
April 9 saw the coronation of Queen Isabella II of Spain in 1834, one of the influential monarchs of the country who served as queen regent during her son King Alfonso XII's minority.
Fact 12: A Day to Share in Laos
In Laos, April 9 is celebrated as Hmong Veterans Day. This honors the service and sacrifice of the Hmong people who partnered with the U.S. during the Vietnam War.
Fact 13: Celebration of Vimy Ridge Day
In Canada, April 9 is known as Vimy Ridge Day. This day memorializes the members of the Canadian Corps who successfully captured the Vimy Ridge from the Germans during World War I in 1917.
Fact 14: Martyr's Day in Tunisia
April 9 is a significant day in the history of Tunisia, as it is observed as Martyrs’ Day, commemorating all the individuals who lost their lives in the struggle for Tunisia’s independence from France.
Fact 15: The Sinking of the Hans Hedtoft
The world’s supposed safest ship, the Hans Hedtoft, hit an iceberg and sank on its maiden voyage on April 9, 1959. It's often referred to as the "second Titanic."
Fact 16: Idaho Falls TV Station Made its Debut
The first-ever television station in Idaho, the KIDK, aired on April 9, 1953. This significant event marked the further expansion of television and mass media within the United States' rural regions.
Fact 17: Unveiling of "The Spirit of St. Louis"
On April 9, 1927, Charles Lindbergh’s groundbreaking airplane "The Spirit of St. Louis" was publicly unveiled for the first time.
Fact 18: Life-Saving Drug Insulin Became Available for Use
On April 9, in the year 1923, insulin became generally available for people with diabetes. Banting, Best, Collip and Macleod at the University of Toronto discovered this life-saving drug.
Fact 19: The Beatles Hold the Top 5 Billboard Hot 100 spots
On April 9, 1964, The Beatles made music history by holding all of the top five spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart - a feat that has never been duplicated.
Fact 20: Introduction of the First Jaguar Sedan
Automobile history was made on April 9, 1949, with the launch of the first Jaguar sedan car, the Jaguar Mark V. This day marked a significant milestone for Jaguar, a major player in the automotive industry.