1. In 1863, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan led a raid into Kentucky and Indiana during the American Civil War. The raid, which began on January 9, was one of the most daring and successful of the war, but it ultimately failed to achieve its strategic objectives.

2. On January 9, 1875, the Alabama State Senate conducted an investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption in the state government. The investigation was prompted by accusations made by a former state senator, and it ultimately resulted in several officials being indicted and convicted.

3. January 9, 1908, saw the completion of the first section of the Mobile Ship Canal in Alabama. The canal, which connects Mobile Bay with the Gulf of Mexico, is an important shipping route for the region's industries.

4. Alabama native Hank Aaron was born on January 9, 1934. Aaron is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and holds several major league records, including the most career runs batted in (RBIs) and the most career extra-base hits.

5. On January 9, 1961, the Alabama State Board of Education announced plans to launch a program to improve the state's public schools. The program, known as "Better Schools for Alabama," included a wide range of initiatives to modernize school facilities, attract and retain qualified teachers, and enhance curriculum and instructional resources.