1. In 1776, the New York Provincial Congress officially declared independence from British rule, becoming the first colony to do so. This historic event occurred on July 9, marking a significant turning point in the Revolutionary War.

2. On July 9, 1850, Millard Fillmore was inaugurated as the 13th President of the United States at the City Hall in New York City. Fillmore became president after the sudden death of Zachary Taylor and served as the country's leader until 1853.

3. The Great White Fleet, a group of 16 battleships sent on a world tour by President Theodore Roosevelt, arrived in New York Harbor on July 9, 1908. The fleet's arrival marked the first time the U.S. had demonstrated its naval strength on a global scale.

4. On July 9, 1962, the United Nations General Assembly held a special session in New York to mark the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The event brought together leaders from around the world to address issues related to human rights and social justice.

5. In 2011, New York State legalized same-sex marriage, making it the sixth state in the U.S. to do so. The landmark legislation was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on July 9, 2011, marking a significant victory for the LGBTQ+ community.