1. In 1861, Texas seceded from the United States and joined the Confederacy. January 9 was the day the state officially became a part of the Confederacy and joined other southern states in the Civil War.

2. In 1901, the Spindletop oil field in Southeast Texas was discovered, marking the beginning of the state's oil boom. January 9 is considered a significant date in the history of the Texas oil industry as it was the day oil first spilled from the well.

3. On January 9, 1923, Howard Hughes Sr., father of famous billionaire Howard Hughes Jr., set a new world air record by flying his plane at an altitude of 26,891 feet. The flight took place in Houston and lasted 2 hours and 50 minutes.

4. In 1953, Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as the first Texan Vice President of the United States. He went on to become the 36th President of the United States after the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

5. In 2001, the Texas Legislature met for its first regular session of the year on January 9. This was significant as it was the first time in 112 years that the session did not begin on the second Tuesday of January. This change was made to avoid conflicts with presidential inaugurations.