On This Day - October 9th
October 9th is a very important date. Even if many of us don’t celebrate it every year, to many others, it is one of the most important dates of the year! And that’s not necessarily because of birthdays or anniversaries – in fact, there are plenty of historical reasons why people remember 10/9 every year. Here are some of the most interesting things to know about October 9th.
On this day
Leif Erikson reached North America.
In the year 1000, famed Norse explorer Leif Erikson (also known as Leif The Lucky) finally reached Vinland, which is believed to be in Canada. In so doing, he reportedly became the first European ever to reach North America!
The Hangul was published.
In 1446, the Hangul, or the Korean alphabet, was first published in Korea. It was officially published by King Sejong the Great.
FDR approved the atomic program.
In 1941, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt approved an atomic program on this very day. That program would become the Manhattan Project. It would perhaps be the most controversial point of FDR’s Presidency, which has otherwise been looked back on with positive eyes.
North Korea performed a dangerous test.
In 2006, North Korea performed its first-ever nuclear test. There was an estimated yield of between 0.4-2 kilotons! Tensions in the years since have fluctuated, as many in the West are wary of the country’s human rights record and its secretive military agenda.
Special Days Falling on October 9th
October 9th is a day to commemorate great explorers, remember to respect each other, and even have a bit of fun! Here are some of the most interesting events taking place around the world today.Leif Erikson Day
Every October 9th, Nordic countries and communities around the world celebrate Leif Erikson Day. The day honors the great Viking explorer credited with bringing the very first Nordic people to America! Although the holiday is in Erikson's honor, it is seen as a celebration of Nordic cultures, explorers, and history.
International Beer and Pizza Day
October 9th is also International Beer and Pizza Day! Although this is by no means a public holiday, International Beer and Pizza Day should be honored. Both beer and pizza are considered to be among life's great delicacies, and with good reason! Who doesn't love a nice cold beer after a long day and a warm pizza to be devoured alone or shared with loved ones? Well, today is the perfect day to do both!
Independence of Guayaquil
In Ecuador, October 9th is the day the nation celebrates the Independence of Guayaquil! That is to say that the nation celebrated its liberation from Spanish rule in 1822. There are celebrations all over the country, including concerts, fireworks, all kinds of cultural events, and parades! Generally speaking, historical landmarks in the cities are used as the host areas for the events, but don’t worry if you’re in the area; they should be pretty easy to find!
This page was last modified on August 4, 2024. Suggest an edit
This month in history
The Statue of Liberty was dedicated. In 1886, Lady Liberty herself was dedicated on Bedloe’s Island in New York Harbour. The statue was famously a gift from the French commemorating the French-American alliance during the American Revolutionary War.
Famous Birthdays on October 9th
If you were born on October 9th…
…you’re a Libra! You’re a very just and peaceful person. That means that you’re great at handling conflicts and crises. You can be a little stubborn at times, but you care deeply about your family and friends to help them find the solutions they desperately need. If you’re just getting into your Western Zodiac and you’d like to know more, click through to our fact page and learn about what makes Libras like you so unique.
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