Browse Historical Events by Day: What Happened on September 9th?

King Olaf II of Norway is killed in the Battle of Svolder, against an alliance of the Kings of Denmark and Sweden and Olaf's enemies in Norway, leading to the temporary downfall of Christianity in Norway. More

The Battle of Svolder takes place in the North Baltic Sea, near Rugen, Germany, resulting in a decisive victory for the combined Viking fleets of Denmark and Sweden over the Norwegian fleet, solidifying Danish and Swedish control over the region. The Battle of Svolder is thought to be one of the most significant battles of the Viking Age. More

The Battle of Alnwick is fought in Northumberland, England, between Scottish and English forces, resulting in a Scottish victory and expanding their influence in northern England.

The Battle of Legnica takes place during the Mongol invasion of Europe, where a combined Polish-German force is defeated by the Mongols.

Bartolomeu Dias sets sail from Portugal on an expedition to find a sea route to India, becoming the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa.

The Continental Congress formally declares the name of the new nation to be the “United States” of America. Formally replacing the term “United Colonies.” More

California is admitted into the Union becoming the 31st State.

The first aerial bombing of the United States mainland by a foreign power. Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita catapulted aboard a seaplane from the Japanese I-25 submarine near the coast of southern Oregon and headed east on a mission to drop an incendiary (fire) bomb on the thick forest and cause a massive fire that would shock Americans and divert resources from fighting the war. Once over forested land, Fujita released the bomb, which struck leaving a crater about three feet in diameter and about one foot deep. No major fire happened due to the wet conditions of the forest. More

Japan drops incendiary bombs near Brookings, Oregon. Nobuo Fujita was the only Japanese pilot to bomb the U.S. mainland during WWII. A total of four bombs were dropped over two occasions with the intent of starting forest fires; however, due to damp conditions, little damage occurred. In 1962, the Brookings Jaycees invited Fujita to Brookings as an occasion of historical significance. "During the visit, Fujita donated his Samurai sword, which had flown with him in the cockpit, to the City of Brookings as a gesture of international peace and goodwill. Fifty years after the bombing, Fujita returned to the forest he once bombed and planted a little redwood tree, which he called a "symbol of friendship and peace." More

The Allied Fifth Army, commanded by Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark, USA, lands on Salerno, Italy, transported by the Western Naval Task Force, TF 80, commanded by Vice Admiral H. Kent Hewitt, USN.

Mao Zedong dies in Beijing at age 82. Mao's CCP-flag-draped body lay in state at the Great Hall of the People for one week where an estimated one million people, including diplomatic envoys, leaders of foreign communist parties, and foreign nationals in China paid their final respects. A three-minute moment of silence was observed in honor of the leader at the start of the 30-minute public funeral in Tiananmen Square, with reports that nearly all of China’s 800 million residents stood in silent tribute.

Tajikistan Independence Day from the Soviet Union.