1. The first U.S. patent was issued in Massachusetts on August 9, 1785. The patent was granted to John Fitch for his invention of a steamboat, which he called a "steamboat navigated by steam power."

2. On August 9, 1832, the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society was founded in Boston. The society was one of the most active and influential of the anti-slavery groups and played a key role in the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts.

3. The first steam-powered fire engine was put into service in Massachusetts on August 9, 1859. The engine, called the Silsby, was built by the Silsby Manufacturing Company in Seneca Falls, New York, and was used in Springfield, Massachusetts.

4. On August 9, 1910, the first commercial radio broadcast took place in Massachusetts. The broadcast was made by Charles "Doc" Herrold, who transmitted music and commentary from his laboratory in San Jose, California, to a receiver in Massachusetts.

5. The first public baseball game in Massachusetts was played on August 9, 1858, in Pittsfield. The game was played between the Eagles and the Resolutes and was won by the Eagles 23-11. The game was considered a major event at the time and helped to popularize the sport in Massachusetts.