Important Events From Today in History – 9 July

Today in History

• 2011 South Sudan becomes the youngest country in the world

  South Sudan, formally known as the Republic of South Sudan, peacefully seceded from Sudan following the passage of an independence referendum. However, since its independence, the country has been wracked by widespread ethnic violence and human rights violations.

• Nintendo releases 1981 Donkey Kong

  Nintendo’s famous character Mario debuted as Jumpman in this popular arcade game.

• 1962 Andy Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans make their debut

  The Soup Cans were first displayed at the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles, California, and were instrumental in popularizing Pop Art in the United States.

• 1958 Lituya Bay megatsunami

  A megatsunami, or tsunami with waves that are higher than normal tsunami waves hit Lituya Bay in Alaska, United States, resulting in a wave that was 1,720 feet (516 metres) high. This is the highest wave ever recorded.

• 1877 The first Wimbledon Championship is held

  The first Wimbledon championship was held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, and it was not only the first tennis championship held in England, but it was also a precursor to grand slam tournaments. The championship featured 22 men, and Spencer Gore became the first person to win the Wimbledon tournament.