1. On July 9, 1864, the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain took place during the American Civil War. The battle, fought near Marietta, Georgia, was a significant victory for the Confederate Army but also resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides.

2. On July 9, 1896, William Jennings Bryan gave his famous "Cross of Gold" speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The speech, which advocated for the free coinage of silver, helped secure Bryan's nomination as the Democratic candidate for president later that year.

3. On July 9, 1947, the first flight of the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star took place at Marietta Army Airfield in Georgia. The P-80 was the first jet fighter used by the United States Air Force and played an important role in air combat during the early years of the Cold War.

4. On July 9, 1953, Georgia Governor Herman Talmadge announced that the state would officially recognize July 9 as "Tom Watson Day" in honor of the late politician and publisher. Watson, who served as a U.S. senator and ran for president three times, was known for his populist and sometimes controversial views.

5. On July 9, 1982, singer-songwriter Ray Charles was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Macon. Charles, who was born in Albany, Georgia, is regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of American popular music and is known for hits such as "Georgia on My Mind" and "Hit the Road Jack."