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.
Births On This Day, July 9
1959 Kevin Nash
American wrestler, actor
1950 Viktor Yanukovych
Ukrainian politician, 4th President of Ukraine
1947 O. J. Simpson
American football player, actor, author
1932 Donald Rumsfeld
American politician, 13th & 21st United States Secretary of Defense
1858 Franz Boas
German anthropologist
Deaths On This Day, July 9
1967 Fatima Jinnah
Pakistani dentist, stateswoman, Leader of the Opposition
1850 Báb
Iranian founder of ism
1850 Zachary Taylor
American general, politician, 12th President of the United States
1797 Edmund Burke
Irish politician, philosopher
1737 Gian Gastone de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany
