United States History On This Day: April 9th

1865 — Lee Surrenders to Grant at Appomattox Court House

General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Ulysses S. Grant effectively ends major Confederate resistance and signals the collapse of the rebellion. Grant’s unexpectedly generous terms allow Confederate soldiers to return home with dignity, helping prevent guerrilla warfare and setting a tone for national healing at the war’s close.

1866 — Congress Passes the Civil Rights Act of 1866

By overriding President Andrew Johnson’s veto, Congress asserts federal authority to protect formerly enslaved people’s rights. The act defines citizenship and guarantees equal protection, laying essential groundwork for Reconstruction and becoming a direct precursor to the 14th Amendment’s constitutional guarantees.

1942 — The Bataan Death March Begins 

After the fall of Bataan American and Filipino troops endure a forced 65‑mile march under brutal Japanese control. Thousands die from starvation, dehydration, and deliberate cruelty, making the march one of the Pacific War’s most infamous atrocities and a rallying point for American resolve.

1967 — The First Boeing 737 Takes Flight

The prototype Boeing 737 lifts off from Seattle, marking the debut of what would become the world’s most widely used commercial jetliner. Its efficient design, short‑runway capability, and adaptability reshape global air travel and anchor Boeing’s dominance in the narrow‑body aircraft market.