1. On March 9, 1857, the United States Supreme Court handed down the infamous decision in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case, declaring that African Americans had no rights as citizens and that Congress had no power to restrict slavery in any territory. This ruling further deepened the divide between North and South and pushed the country further towards civil war.

2. In 1909, the Pioneer Square pergola was dedicated in Seattle on March 9th. This iconic structure, with its ornate pillars and intricate ironwork, still stands today and serves as a popular gathering spot for tourists and locals alike.

3. Washington State University was established on March 9, 1890, as the state's first land-grant university. Over the years, WSU has grown to become one of the state's largest and most respected universities, with a focus on agricultural research and innovation.

4. On March 9, 2006, Washington became the first state in the country to pass a comprehensive net neutrality law, which required internet service providers to treat all online content equally and prohibited them from charging extra fees for faster access or better quality.

5. In 1960, the largest recorded earthquake in the world's history occurred off the coast of Chile, triggering a massive tsunami that devastated the coastal regions of Washington and other Pacific Rim countries. The tsunami caused extensive damage to ports and fishing villages, killing several people and disrupting the region's economy for years to come. March 9th marks the anniversary of this disaster and serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by natural disasters.