1. Missouri became a state on September 9, 1821. The territory had previously been part of the Louisiana Purchase and was known as the Missouri Territory. The decision to admit Missouri as a state was controversial due to conflict over the issue of slavery.

2. September 9, 1875 marked the first day of classes at the University of Missouri in Columbia. The university had been established in 1839 but had faced financial and logistical challenges before finally opening its doors to students.

3. On September 9, 1919, Babe Ruth hit his 26th home run of the season at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. The home run was part of a record-breaking season for Ruth, who hit a total of 29 home runs that year.

4. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, one of Missouri's most iconic landmarks, was completed on September 9, 1965. The arch stands at 630 feet tall and serves as a symbol of westward expansion and Missouri's role in American history.

5. In 2013, on September 9, the city of Joplin in southwest Missouri was hit by a tornado that caused widespread devastation. The storm, which was the deadliest tornado to strike the US since 1947, killed 161 people and caused billions of dollars in damage. Despite the tragedy, the community came together to rebuild and recover from the disaster.