What Happened on January 9?

January 9 marks America's very first balloon flight — watched by President George Washington himself — back in 1793!

1793 — First balloon flight in America

French aeronaut Jean-Pierre Blanchard rose from a Philadelphia prison yard in a yellow silk balloon — carrying scientific instruments, a small dog, and history's first air-mail letter. Read the full story →
1788 — Connecticut ratifies the U.S. Constitution

Connecticut voted overwhelmingly to approve the new Constitution, becoming the fifth state — and earning its nickname, the Constitution State. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Joan Baez (1941)

National Balloon Ascension Day