1. Arkansas became a state on April 9, 1836. The Arkansas Territory had been established in 1819 and had functioned as a separate entity from Missouri Territory. The statehood process lasted almost two decades and was marked by disagreements over slavery.

2. In 1865, on April 9, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War. This event is significant in Arkansas history because many Arkansans fought for the Confederacy during the war.

3. On April 9, 1915, Arkansas passed a law requiring all school teachers to be licensed. This law was an important step in improving education in the state and ensuring that teachers were qualified to teach their subjects.

4. A devastating tornado outbreak struck Arkansas on April 9, 1999. The outbreak consisted of 65 tornadoes that swept across the central and eastern portions of the state, killing at least 13 people and causing widespread damage.

5. On April 9, 2008, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed into law a bill that established a state lottery. The lottery was designed to raise money for education in the state and has since generated billions of dollars in revenue. The first lottery tickets went on sale in September 2009.