1. In 1816, President James Madison signed a bill officially admitting Indiana as the 19th state in the United States. This marked a significant moment in the state's history, as it established Indiana as a fully recognized member of the union.
2. On July 9, 1868, the Purdue University board of trustees held their first meeting in Lafayette, Indiana, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the university as it is known today.
3. In 1896, a significant heat wave swept through Indiana, with temperatures reaching up to 105°F in some areas. The heat wave lasted for several weeks and resulted in many deaths and cases of heat exhaustion.
4. July 9, 1933 is the birthday of Ed "Too Tall" Jones, a former NFL defensive end who played for the Dallas Cowboys. Jones was a dominant force on the gridiron and is considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.
5. On July 9, 1987, the NBA's Indiana Pacers hired Dick Versace as their head coach, ushering in a new era of success for the franchise. Versace helped lead the team to several playoff appearances and earned a reputation as one of the best coaches in the league.