1. May 9, 1754: The First Newspaper Cartoon in America was published in the New York Gazette

On May 9, 1754, the New York Gazette became the first American newspaper to run a cartoon. The cartoon, drawn by Benjamin Franklin, was titled "Join or Die" and depicted a severed snake with each segment representing a colony. The cartoon urged colonies to unite against the French and their Native American allies during the French and Indian War.

2. May 9, 1927: The Dedication of the Holland Tunnel

The Holland Tunnel, which connects Manhattan and New Jersey under the Hudson River, was dedicated on May 9, 1927, by President Calvin Coolidge. The engineering marvel, which took seven years to build, was the longest underwater tunnel at the time and revolutionized transportation between the two states.

3. May 9, 1950: The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel Opens

The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, officially known as the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, opened to traffic on May 9, 1950. The tunnel, which connects Brooklyn and Manhattan, was the first mechanically ventilated underwater tunnel in the world.

4. May 9, 1960: The FDA Approves the Birth Control Pill

On May 9, 1960, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the birth control pill, which revolutionized women's reproductive health and helped spark the feminist movement.

5. May 9, 1970: The Anti-War Protests at Federal Hall in NYC

On May 9, 1970, thousands of anti-war protesters gathered outside Federal Hall in New York City to protest the US government's involvement in the Vietnam War. The protest turned violent and resulted in clashes between police and protesters, with over 100 arrests made. The event marked a turning point in the anti-war movement and helped to galvanize opposition to the war.