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On This Day in History: February 9

Explore the historical events that shaped our world on February 9th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.

1825 CE, February 9

The U.S. House of Representatives elects John Quincy Adams as the 6th President of the United States on February 9, 1825, after no candidate received the required 131 electoral votes in the 1824 election. Adams was elected on the first ballot, despite Andrew Jackson winning the most popular and electoral votes.

1897 CE, February 9

The British invasion of the Kingdom of Benin, a powerful, highly organized West African state in modern-day Nigeria, begins on February 9, 1897. The operation was named the Benin Punitive Expedition and part of its objectives was to capture the Benin Oba.

1971 CE, February 9

The Sylmar magnitude 6.6 earthquake strikes Los Angeles on Feb. 9, 1971 at 6 AM. Transportation infrastructure was significantly damaged around the Los Angeles area, with bridges and highway exits collapsing during the earthquake.

1996 CE, February 9

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) declares on February 9, 1996 an end to its 18-month cessation of military operations in Northern Ireland as of 6pm the same day.