1. On December 9, 1791, Kentucky became the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. This was a significant moment in American history, as the Bill of Rights guarantees key rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as the right to bear arms and protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

2. In the early morning hours of December 9, 1917, a catastrophic train wreck occurred in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, killing 49 people and injuring many more. The accident was caused by a miscommunication between two trains that were traveling on the same track, and it remains one of the deadliest train wrecks in American history.

3. On December 9, 1955, the National Farm Machinery Show made its debut in Louisville, Kentucky. The event quickly became one of the largest farm shows in the country, attracting farmers and agribusiness leaders from around the world. Today, the National Farm Machinery Show attracts more than 300,000 visitors each year and is an important showcase for the latest innovations in agriculture.

4. December 9, 1861 marked the beginning of the Battle of Sacramento, a relatively small but important engagement in the American Civil War. The battle was fought between Confederate and Union forces in Sacramento, Kentucky, and resulted in a Union victory. Though relatively minor, the Battle of Sacramento helped to solidify Union control over western Kentucky and prevent Confederate forces from advancing further north.

5. Finally, on December 9, 1974, Kentucky Governor Julian Carroll announced a sweeping reform of the state's criminal justice system. The reforms included changes to sentencing guidelines, new programs to improve prisoner education, and the creation of a state-wide criminal justice planning agency. The reforms were seen as a major step forward in addressing the root causes of crime in Kentucky and reducing recidivism rates.