January 9 spans revolutions, treaties, and innovations that have left lasting marks on civilization.
English horseman Philip Astley performed the first modern circus show in London, featuring trick riding in a circular ring. His innovations established the format that circuses would follow for centuries.
Connecticut became the fifth state to ratify the United States Constitution. The state's convention voted 128 to 40 in favor, reflecting broad support for the new federal government.
Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger introduced the first income tax in Britain to fund the wars against Napoleon. The tax started at two old pence in the pound on incomes over 60 pounds.
The French Academy of Sciences publicly announced Louis Daguerre's photographic process, the daguerreotype. This announcement marked the birth of practical photography.
The merchant ship Star of the West was fired upon by Confederate batteries as it attempted to resupply Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. This was one of the first hostile acts leading to the Civil War.
Spanish engineer Juan de la Cierva flew his C.4 autogyro for the first time at Getafe airfield near Madrid. The autogyro was a precursor to the modern helicopter.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone at the Macworld Conference in San Francisco. The revolutionary device combined a phone, widescreen iPod, and internet communicator, transforming mobile technology forever.