Joseph Pulitzer donates $1 million to Columbia University and begins the Pulitzer Prizes in the United States
Joseph Pulitzer donates $1 million to Columbia University and begins the Pulitzer Prizes in the United States
What Happened on
A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on August 17 throughout history.
101
Events
16
Births
1
Deaths
Historical Events on August 17
Korea is divided into North and South Korea along the 38th parallel
The division of Korea began at the end of World War II on 2 September 1945, with the establishment of a Soviet occupation zone in the north and a US occupation zone in the south.
The Radcliffe Line is revealed, setting the border between Union of India and Dominion of Pakistan
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia.
Monica Lewinsky scandal: US President Bill Clinton admits in taped testimony he had an "improper physical relationship"
Monica Lewinsky scandal: US President Bill Clinton admits in taped testimony he had an "improper physical relationship" with the intern and on the same day admits before the nation he "misled people" about the relationship
"Monty Python's Life of Brian" directed by Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, and John Cleese, and fun
"Monty Python's Life of Brian" directed by Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, and John Cleese, and funded by George Harrison's HandMade Films, premieres in US theaters
Richard Wagner's opera "Götterdämmerung" premieres in Bayreuth
Richard Wagner's opera "Götterdämmerung" premieres in Bayreuth
MLB player Lou Gehrig plays his record 1,308th consecutive game
Henry Louis Gehrig was an American professional baseball first baseman who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees.
Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander IV, 1st man to resign the cardinalate marries Charlotte d'Albret of Navarre
Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander IV, 1st man to resign the cardinalate marries Charlotte d'Albret of Navarre
Short story writer Dorothy Parker (57) weds screenwriter Alan Campbell (46)
Short story writer Dorothy Parker (57) weds screenwriter Alan Campbell (46)
Actor Jack Lemmon (37) weds actress and model Felicia Farr (29) in Paris, France
Actor Jack Lemmon (37) weds actress and model Felicia Farr (29) in Paris, France
Genesis drummer and vocalist Phil Collins (57) divorces Swiss-born Orianne Cevey (35) after six years of marriage
Genesis drummer and vocalist Phil Collins (57) divorces Swiss-born Orianne Cevey (35) after six years of marriage
Leo II begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Leo II begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Yoritomo Minamoto leads uprising against Kiyomori Taira who installed his grandson, Emperor Antoku, to the throne
Yoritomo Minamoto leads uprising against Kiyomori Taira who installed his grandson, Emperor Antoku, to the throne
Peace of Bergerac: Political rights for Huguenots
Peace of Bergerac: Political rights for Huguenots
Antwerp surrenders after an 8-month siege by the Duke of Parma
Antwerp surrenders after an 8-month siege by the Duke of Parma
Battle of Preston, Lancashire: Henry Ireton defeats the Scots; ends August 19, 1648
Battle of Preston, Lancashire: Henry Ireton defeats the Scots; ends August 19, 1648
France, Russia, and Prussia sign an agreement
France, Russia, and Prussia sign an agreement
Treaty of Åbo signed in Turku by Sweden and Russian Empire, ending the Russo-Swedish War (1741-1743)
1743 (MDCCXLIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar and a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar, the 1743rd year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini...
Jews are granted permission in Budapest, Hungary, to pray in groups
Jews are granted permission in Budapest, Hungary, to pray in groups
Slave revolt at Knip Plantation, Curaçao
The Curaçao Slave Revolt of 1795 was a slave revolt in the Dutch colony of Curaçao, led by the enslaved man Tula (Toela in a contemporary Dutch report).
British defeat Batavian Navy in Saldanha Bay, South Africa
British defeat Batavian Navy in Saldanha Bay, South Africa
The Church Missionary Society establishes New Zealand's second mission station at Kerikeri
The Church Missionary Society establishes New Zealand's second mission station at Kerikeri
Solymon Merrick of Springfield, Massachusetts, patents the first wrench
Solymon Merrick of Springfield, Massachusetts, patents the first wrench
British parliament accepts registration of births, marriages, and deaths
Marriage is available in England and Wales to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples and is legally recognised in the forms of both civil and religious marriage.
Commodore Robert F. Stockton of the US Navy annexes California
The Conquest of California, also known as the Conquest of Alta California or the California Campaign, was a military campaign during the Mexican–American War carried out by the United States in Alta...
The first bank in Hawaii opens
First Hawaiian, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.
First airmail in a balloon takes off from Lafayette, Indiana
First airmail in a balloon takes off from Lafayette, Indiana
Confederate troops under Edmund Kirby Smith enter Kentucky
Edmund Kirby Smith (May 16, 1824 – March 28, 1893) was a Confederate States Army general, who oversaw the Trans-Mississippi Department (comprising Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, western Louisiana,...
Federal batteries and ships attack Fort Sumter in South Carolina
Fort Sumter is an incomplete sea fort at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, where the battle that sparked the American Civil War took place.
First ascent of Mount Rainier, Washington, by Hazard Stevens and P. B. Van Trump
Mount Rainier, also known as Tahoma, is a large active stratovolcano in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest in the United States.
American astronomer Asaph Hall discovers Mars's moon Phobos
Phobos () is the innermost and larger of the two natural satellites of Mars, the other being Deimos. The two moons were discovered in 1877 by American astronomer Asaph Hall.
French diplomat and entrepreneur Ferdinand de Lesseps forms the French Panama Canal Company
Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps was a French Orientalist diplomat and later developer of the Suez Canal, which in 1869, joined the Mediterranean and Red Seas, substantially reducing sailing distances and...
The first public performance of the Dominican Republic's national anthem, Himno Nacional
The first public performance of the Dominican Republic's national anthem, Himno Nacional
Electric self-starter for automobiles patented
Electric self-starter for automobiles patented
Russian and French generals Obruchev and Boisdeffre sign the Dual Alliance
Russian and French generals Obruchev and Boisdeffre sign the Dual Alliance
Phillies get 36 hits as Sam Thompson hits for the cycle, beating Louisville 29-4
Phillies get 36 hits as Sam Thompson hits for the cycle, beating Louisville 29-4
W. B. Purvis patents electric railway switch (also known as points)
W. B. Purvis patents electric railway switch (also known as points)
The Royal Titles Act adds the words 'and the British Dominions beyond the Seas' to the monarch's style
A Royal Style and Titles Act, or a Royal Titles Act, is an act of parliament passed in the relevant country that defines the formal title for the sovereign as monarch of that country.
Boston's Jesse Tannehill no-hits the Chicago White Sox, 6-0
The Boston Red Sox are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Boston, Massachusetts, also known in their early years as the "Boston Americans" (1901–1907).
Dutch government of Theo de Meester is formed
The De Meester cabinet was the cabinet of the Netherlands from 17 August 1905 until 12 February 1908.
Bishop forbids Christian membership of Dutch Textile Union
Bishop forbids Christian membership of Dutch Textile Union
French troops under General de Castelnau occupy Chateau Salins
French troops under General de Castelnau occupy Chateau Salins
A mob lynches Jewish businessman Leo Frank in Cobb County, Georgia, after his death sentence for the murder of a 13-year
A mob lynches Jewish businessman Leo Frank in Cobb County, Georgia, after his death sentence for the murder of a 13-year-old girl is commuted to life
Bulgarian offensive in Macedonia
Bulgarian offensive in Macedonia
Italy declares war on Turkey
World War I, or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers.
Bolshevik revolutionary leader Moisei Uritsky is assassinated
Moisei Solomonovich Uritsky, also known by his pen-name Boretsky, was a Bolshevik revolutionary leader in Russia.
New York Yankees cancel game with Cleveland Indians in memory of Ray Chapman, who dies after being hit by a pitch the pr
New York Yankees cancel game with Cleveland Indians in memory of Ray Chapman, who dies after being hit by a pitch the previous day
French-German trade agreement signed
French-German trade agreement signed
Greek-Serbian, Croatian and Slavs peace treaty signed
Greek-Serbian, Croatian and Slavs peace treaty signed
An unemployed worker, Niels B. Ruud in Madison, Wisconsin, receives the first unemployment benefit check paid under a st
An unemployed worker, Niels B. Ruud in Madison, Wisconsin, receives the first unemployment benefit check paid under a state law for $15
First aircraft owned by US Forest Service enters service in Oakland
First aircraft owned by US Forest Service enters service in Oakland
German raider attacks Dutch SS Kota Nopan
German raider attacks Dutch SS Kota Nopan
Task Force 17 leaves Pearl Harbor under Admiral George Murray on USS Hornet
Task Force 17 leaves Pearl Harbor under Admiral George Murray on USS Hornet
British bombers attack Peenemünde (development base for the V-weapons)
British bombers attack Peenemünde (development base for the V-weapons)
4th Canadian Armoured Division occupies Trun, Normandy
The 2nd Canadian Division, an infantry division of the Canadian Army, was mobilized for war service on 1 September 1939 at the outset of World War II.
Alger Hiss denies ever being a Communist agent
Alger Hiss (November 11, 1904 – November 15, 1996) was an American government official who, in 1948, was accused of spying for the Soviet Union in the 1930s.
Pee Wee Reese (Dodgers) and Sam Calderone (Giants) hit inside-the-park home runs
Pee Wee Reese (Dodgers) and Sam Calderone (Giants) hit inside-the-park home runs
18th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Cleveland 33, All-Stars 0 (92,180 attendees)
18th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Cleveland 33, All-Stars 0 (92,180 attendees)
The word "fallout," referring to radioactive particles carried into the atmosphere after a nuclear explosion, is first u
The word "fallout," referring to radioactive particles carried into the atmosphere after a nuclear explosion, is first used in The New York Times
First meeting of Narcotics Anonymous in Southern California
First meeting of Narcotics Anonymous in Southern California
Hurricane Diane follows Hurricane Connie and floods the Connecticut River, killing 190 people and causing $1.8 billion i
Hurricane Diane follows Hurricane Connie and floods the Connecticut River, killing 190 people and causing $1.8 billion in damage
20,000 women march to Pretoria's Union Buildings to present a petition to the Prime Minister against the carrying of pas
20,000 women march to Pretoria's Union Buildings to present a petition to the Prime Minister against the carrying of passes by women
World's first Moon probe, USA's Thor-Able, explodes at T+77 seconds
World's first Moon probe, USA's Thor-Able, explodes at T+77 seconds
7.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a national park of the United States located in the northwest corner of the state of Wyoming, with small portions extending into Montana and Idaho.
Kennedy administration establishes Alliance for Progress
The Alliance for Progress (Spanish: Alianza para el progreso) was an initiative launched by U.S. President John F.
East German border guards shoot and kill Peter Fechter, 18, as he attempts to cross the Berlin Wall into the western sec
East German border guards shoot and kill Peter Fechter, 18, as he attempts to cross the Berlin Wall into the western sector
Jim Hickman becomes the first New York Met to hit for the cycle
Jim Hickman becomes the first New York Met to hit for the cycle
Boycott scores his first Test cricket century: 113 against Australia at The Oval
Sir Geoffrey Boycott is a former Test cricketer, who played cricket for Yorkshire and England.
NASA satellite Pioneer 7 launched into solar orbit
NASA satellite Pioneer 7 launched into solar orbit
Dick Beyer (Dr. X) defeats Verne Gagne to become NWA champion
Laverne Clarence "Verne" Gagne (February 26, 1926 – April 27, 2015) was an American amateur and professional wrestler, football player, wrestling trainer and wrestling promoter.
Hurricane Camille strikes the US coastline and kills 259 people, mainly in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana
Hurricane Camille strikes the US coastline and kills 259 people, mainly in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana
Soviet spacecraft Venera 7 is launched towards Venus
Venus is the second planet from the Sun. It is often called Earth's "twin" or "sister" among the planets of the Solar System for its orbit being the closest to Earth's, both being terrestrial...
An earthquake and tsunami in the Philippines kill up to 8,000
The 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami occurred on August 17, 1976, at 00:11 local time near the islands of Mindanao and Sulu, in the Philippines.
Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker "Arktika" is the first surface ship to reach the North Pole
Arktika is a retired nuclear-powered icebreaker of the Soviet (now Russian) Arktika class.
First successful crossing of the Atlantic by balloon is completed by Americans Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Ne
First successful crossing of the Atlantic by balloon is completed by Americans Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman aboard Double Eagle II
Azaria Chamberlain disappears, likely taken by a dingo, leading to one of the most publicized trials in Australian histo
Azaria Chamberlain disappears, likely taken by a dingo, leading to one of the most publicized trials in Australian history
George Brett goes 4-for-4, raising his batting average to .401
George Brett goes 4-for-4, raising his batting average to .401
First compact discs (CDs) released to the public in Germany
Compact Disc Digital Audio (CDDA or CD-DA), also known as Digital Audio Compact Disc or simply as Audio CD, is the standard format for audio compact discs.
Hurricane Alicia kills 17 people in Texas
Hurricane Alicia was a small but powerful tropical cyclone that caused significant destruction in the Greater Houston area of Southeast Texas in August 1983.
1,400 meatpackers walk off the job at a George A. Hormel & Company plant
1,400 meatpackers walk off the job at a George A. Hormel & Company plant
Bronze pig statue, named "Rachel" after a real 750-pound pig who won the 1985 Island County Fair, is unveiled at Pike Pl
Bronze pig statue, named "Rachel" after a real 750-pound pig who won the 1985 Island County Fair, is unveiled at Pike Place Market, Seattle
Butch Reynolds runs a world record in the 400 m (43.29)
Butch Reynolds runs a world record in the 400 m (43.29)
ArenaBowl V takes place at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit as the Tampa Bay Storm defeats the Detroit Drive 48-42, with Stevi
ArenaBowl V takes place at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit as the Tampa Bay Storm defeats the Detroit Drive 48-42, with Stevie Thomas named MVP
Hurricane Andrew forms southeast of Barbados in the Caribbean
Hurricane Dean was a powerful and destructive tropical cyclone that became the strongest of the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season.
King Letsie II of Lesotho dismisses premier Ntsu Mokhehle
King Letsie II of Lesotho dismisses premier Ntsu Mokhehle
China performs a nuclear test at Lop Nur, China
China performs a nuclear test at Lop Nur, China
Soyuz TM-24 is launched into orbit
Soyuz TM-24 was the 27th expedition to Mir. Soyuz TM-24 carried a crew of three. The crew consisted of Cosmonauts Valery Korzun and Aleksandr Kaleri, and the first French woman in space, Claudie...
7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes İzmit, Turkey, killing more than 17,000 and injuring 44,000
7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes İzmit, Turkey, killing more than 17,000 and injuring 44,000
Chinese researchers find an MD5 collision
Chinese researchers find an MD5 collision
The first forced evacuation of settlers begins as part of Israel's unilateral disengagement plan
In 2005, Israel disengaged from the Gaza Strip by dismantling all 21 Israeli settlements there.
Australian women's 4 x 100 m medley relay team of Emily Seebohm, Leisel Jones, Jessicah Schipper, and Libby Trickett ups
Australian women's 4 x 100 m medley relay team of Emily Seebohm, Leisel Jones, Jessicah Schipper, and Libby Trickett upsets the United States to win the gold medal in a world record time of 3:52.69 at the Beijing Olympics
Gay pride events are banned for a century in Moscow
Gay pride events are banned for a century in Moscow
15 civilians are killed by a Syrian warplane attack in Aleppo
15 civilians are killed by a Syrian warplane attack in Aleppo
Olympic 1500 m champion from Turkey, Asli Cakir Alptekin, is stripped of her gold medal by the IAAF for doping
Olympic 1500 m champion from Turkey, Asli Cakir Alptekin, is stripped of her gold medal by the IAAF for doping
American sweep in the 100 m women's hurdles at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with Brianna Rollins taking gold ahead of Nia
American sweep in the 100 m women's hurdles at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with Brianna Rollins taking gold ahead of Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin; first time the US has swept medals in an Olympic women's track and field event
Anti-immigrant One Nation party leader Pauline Hanson is widely criticized for wearing a burqa into the Australian Parli
Anti-immigrant One Nation party leader Pauline Hanson is widely criticized for wearing a burqa into the Australian Parliament
Huge wildfires begin on Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, prompting the evacuation of 9,000 people
Huge wildfires begin on Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, prompting the evacuation of 9,000 people
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill becomes the first US college to send students home and convert to online cla
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill becomes the first US college to send students home and convert to online classes after 135 COVID-19 cases are detected
China issues its highest red alert heat warning for at least 138 cities and counties amid the country's longest heatwave
China issues its highest red alert heat warning for at least 138 cities and counties amid the country's longest heatwave since records began, lasting 64 days [1]
First WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit begins in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India [1]
Gujarat is a state along the western coast of India. Its coastline of about 2,340 km (1,450 mi) is the longest in the country, most of which lies on the Kathiawar peninsula.
An estimated 2.5 million people participate in protests across Israel, with 300,000 attending the rally in Tel Aviv, cal
An estimated 2.5 million people participate in protests across Israel, with 300,000 attending the rally in Tel Aviv, calling for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, Palestine [1]
Famous Births on August 17
birth
Menelik II is born
Menelik II is born
birth
Ibrahim Babangida is born
Ibrahim Babangida is born
birth
Larry Ellison is born
Larry Ellison, American businessman and entrepreneur, known for american businessman and entrepreneur, was born on 1945-08-17.
birth
Mae West is born
Mae West, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1893-08-17. Mary Jane "Mae" West (August 17, 1893 – November 22, 1980) was an American actress, singer, comedian, screenwriter, and…
birth
Maureen O'Hara is born
Maureen O'Hara, American american actress, known for irish and american actress, was born on 1920-08-17.
birth
Robert De Niro is born
Robert De Niro, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1944-08-17. Robert Anthony De Niro is an American actor, director, film producer, and restaurateur.
birth
Sean Penn is born
Sean Penn, American actor and filmmaker, known for american actor and filmmaker, was born on 1961-08-17. Sean Justin Penn is an American actor and filmmaker.
birth
Lil Pump is born
Lil Pump, American musician, known for american rapper, was born on 2001-08-17. Gazzy Fabio Garcia, known professionally as Lil Pump, is an American rapper.
birth
Guillermo Vilas is born
Guillermo Vilas is born
birth
Nelson Piquet is born
Nelson Piquet, Brazilian athlete, known for brazilian racing driver, was born on 1953-08-17.
birth
Jim Courier is born
Jim Courier is born
birth
Thierry Henry is born
Thierry Henry, French athlete, known for french football manager, was born on 1978-08-17. Thierry Daniel Henry is a French professional football coach, pundit, sports broadcaster, and former player.
birth
Pierre de Fermat is born
Pierre de Fermat is born
birth
Jiang Zemin is born
Jiang Zemin is born
birth
Ted Hughes is born
Ted Hughes, English poet and children's writer, known for english poet and children's writer, was born on 1930-08-17.
birth
V. S. Naipaul is born
V. S. Naipaul, British trinidadian-british writer, known for trinidadian-british writer, was born on 1932-08-17.
Notable Deaths on August 17
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 17, 1903?
- Joseph Pulitzer donates $1 million to Columbia University and begins the Pulitzer Prizes in the United States
- What happened on August 17, 1945?
- The division of Korea began at the end of World War II on 2 September 1945, with the establishment of a Soviet occupation zone in the north and a US occupation zone in the south.
- What happened on August 17, 1947?
- Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia.
- What happened on August 17, 1998?
- Monica Lewinsky scandal: US President Bill Clinton admits in taped testimony he had an "improper physical relationship" with the intern and on the same day admits before the nation he "misled people" about the relationship
- What happened on August 17, 1979?
- "Monty Python's Life of Brian" directed by Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, and John Cleese, and funded by George Harrison's HandMade Films, premieres in US theaters
Complete Timeline — August 17 Through the Ages
Leo II begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Leo II begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Yoritomo Minamoto leads uprising against Kiyomori Taira who installed his grandson, Emperor Antoku, to the throne
Yoritomo Minamoto leads uprising against Kiyomori Taira who installed his grandson, Emperor Antoku, to the throne
Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander IV, 1st man to resign the cardinalate marries Charlotte d'Albret of Navarre
Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander IV, 1st man to resign the cardinalate marries Charlotte d'Albret of Navarre
Peace of Bergerac: Political rights for Huguenots
Peace of Bergerac: Political rights for Huguenots
Antwerp surrenders after an 8-month siege by the Duke of Parma
Antwerp surrenders after an 8-month siege by the Duke of Parma
Pierre de Fermat is born
Pierre de Fermat is born
Battle of Preston, Lancashire: Henry Ireton defeats the Scots; ends August 19, 1648
Battle of Preston, Lancashire: Henry Ireton defeats the Scots; ends August 19, 1648
France, Russia, and Prussia sign an agreement
France, Russia, and Prussia sign an agreement
Treaty of Åbo signed in Turku by Sweden and Russian Empire, ending the Russo-Swedish War (1741-1743)
1743 (MDCCXLIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar and a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar, the 1743rd year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini...
Jews are granted permission in Budapest, Hungary, to pray in groups
Jews are granted permission in Budapest, Hungary, to pray in groups
Slave revolt at Knip Plantation, Curaçao
The Curaçao Slave Revolt of 1795 was a slave revolt in the Dutch colony of Curaçao, led by the enslaved man Tula (Toela in a contemporary Dutch report).
British defeat Batavian Navy in Saldanha Bay, South Africa
British defeat Batavian Navy in Saldanha Bay, South Africa
The Church Missionary Society establishes New Zealand's second mission station at Kerikeri
The Church Missionary Society establishes New Zealand's second mission station at Kerikeri
Solymon Merrick of Springfield, Massachusetts, patents the first wrench
Solymon Merrick of Springfield, Massachusetts, patents the first wrench
British parliament accepts registration of births, marriages, and deaths
Marriage is available in England and Wales to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples and is legally recognised in the forms of both civil and religious marriage.
Menelik II is born
Menelik II is born
Commodore Robert F. Stockton of the US Navy annexes California
The Conquest of California, also known as the Conquest of Alta California or the California Campaign, was a military campaign during the Mexican–American War carried out by the United States in Alta...
The first bank in Hawaii opens
First Hawaiian, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.
First airmail in a balloon takes off from Lafayette, Indiana
First airmail in a balloon takes off from Lafayette, Indiana
Confederate troops under Edmund Kirby Smith enter Kentucky
Edmund Kirby Smith (May 16, 1824 – March 28, 1893) was a Confederate States Army general, who oversaw the Trans-Mississippi Department (comprising Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, western Louisiana,...
Federal batteries and ships attack Fort Sumter in South Carolina
Fort Sumter is an incomplete sea fort at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, where the battle that sparked the American Civil War took place.
First ascent of Mount Rainier, Washington, by Hazard Stevens and P. B. Van Trump
Mount Rainier, also known as Tahoma, is a large active stratovolcano in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest in the United States.
Richard Wagner's opera "Götterdämmerung" premieres in Bayreuth
Richard Wagner's opera "Götterdämmerung" premieres in Bayreuth
American astronomer Asaph Hall discovers Mars's moon Phobos
Phobos () is the innermost and larger of the two natural satellites of Mars, the other being Deimos. The two moons were discovered in 1877 by American astronomer Asaph Hall.
French diplomat and entrepreneur Ferdinand de Lesseps forms the French Panama Canal Company
Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps was a French Orientalist diplomat and later developer of the Suez Canal, which in 1869, joined the Mediterranean and Red Seas, substantially reducing sailing distances and...
The first public performance of the Dominican Republic's national anthem, Himno Nacional
The first public performance of the Dominican Republic's national anthem, Himno Nacional
Electric self-starter for automobiles patented
Electric self-starter for automobiles patented
Russian and French generals Obruchev and Boisdeffre sign the Dual Alliance
Russian and French generals Obruchev and Boisdeffre sign the Dual Alliance
Mae West is born
Mae West, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1893-08-17. Mary Jane "Mae" West (August 17, 1893 – November 22, 1980) was an American actress, singer, comedian, screenwriter, and…
Phillies get 36 hits as Sam Thompson hits for the cycle, beating Louisville 29-4
Phillies get 36 hits as Sam Thompson hits for the cycle, beating Louisville 29-4
W. B. Purvis patents electric railway switch (also known as points)
W. B. Purvis patents electric railway switch (also known as points)
The Royal Titles Act adds the words 'and the British Dominions beyond the Seas' to the monarch's style
A Royal Style and Titles Act, or a Royal Titles Act, is an act of parliament passed in the relevant country that defines the formal title for the sovereign as monarch of that country.
Joseph Pulitzer donates $1 million to Columbia University and begins the Pulitzer Prizes in the United States
Joseph Pulitzer donates $1 million to Columbia University and begins the Pulitzer Prizes in the United States
Boston's Jesse Tannehill no-hits the Chicago White Sox, 6-0
The Boston Red Sox are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Boston, Massachusetts, also known in their early years as the "Boston Americans" (1901–1907).
Dutch government of Theo de Meester is formed
The De Meester cabinet was the cabinet of the Netherlands from 17 August 1905 until 12 February 1908.
Bishop forbids Christian membership of Dutch Textile Union
Bishop forbids Christian membership of Dutch Textile Union
French troops under General de Castelnau occupy Chateau Salins
French troops under General de Castelnau occupy Chateau Salins
A mob lynches Jewish businessman Leo Frank in Cobb County, Georgia, after his death sentence for the murder of a 13-year
A mob lynches Jewish businessman Leo Frank in Cobb County, Georgia, after his death sentence for the murder of a 13-year-old girl is commuted to life
Bulgarian offensive in Macedonia
Bulgarian offensive in Macedonia
Italy declares war on Turkey
World War I, or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers.
Bolshevik revolutionary leader Moisei Uritsky is assassinated
Moisei Solomonovich Uritsky, also known by his pen-name Boretsky, was a Bolshevik revolutionary leader in Russia.
New York Yankees cancel game with Cleveland Indians in memory of Ray Chapman, who dies after being hit by a pitch the pr
New York Yankees cancel game with Cleveland Indians in memory of Ray Chapman, who dies after being hit by a pitch the previous day
Maureen O'Hara is born
Maureen O'Hara, American american actress, known for irish and american actress, was born on 1920-08-17.
French-German trade agreement signed
French-German trade agreement signed
Greek-Serbian, Croatian and Slavs peace treaty signed
Greek-Serbian, Croatian and Slavs peace treaty signed
Jiang Zemin is born
Jiang Zemin is born
Ted Hughes is born
Ted Hughes, English poet and children's writer, known for english poet and children's writer, was born on 1930-08-17.
V. S. Naipaul is born
V. S. Naipaul, British trinidadian-british writer, known for trinidadian-british writer, was born on 1932-08-17.
MLB player Lou Gehrig plays his record 1,308th consecutive game
Henry Louis Gehrig was an American professional baseball first baseman who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees.
An unemployed worker, Niels B. Ruud in Madison, Wisconsin, receives the first unemployment benefit check paid under a st
An unemployed worker, Niels B. Ruud in Madison, Wisconsin, receives the first unemployment benefit check paid under a state law for $15
First aircraft owned by US Forest Service enters service in Oakland
First aircraft owned by US Forest Service enters service in Oakland
German raider attacks Dutch SS Kota Nopan
German raider attacks Dutch SS Kota Nopan
Task Force 17 leaves Pearl Harbor under Admiral George Murray on USS Hornet
Task Force 17 leaves Pearl Harbor under Admiral George Murray on USS Hornet
Ibrahim Babangida is born
Ibrahim Babangida is born
British bombers attack Peenemünde (development base for the V-weapons)
British bombers attack Peenemünde (development base for the V-weapons)
4th Canadian Armoured Division occupies Trun, Normandy
The 2nd Canadian Division, an infantry division of the Canadian Army, was mobilized for war service on 1 September 1939 at the outset of World War II.
Robert De Niro is born
Robert De Niro, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1944-08-17. Robert Anthony De Niro is an American actor, director, film producer, and restaurateur.
Korea is divided into North and South Korea along the 38th parallel
The division of Korea began at the end of World War II on 2 September 1945, with the establishment of a Soviet occupation zone in the north and a US occupation zone in the south.
Larry Ellison is born
Larry Ellison, American businessman and entrepreneur, known for american businessman and entrepreneur, was born on 1945-08-17.
The Radcliffe Line is revealed, setting the border between Union of India and Dominion of Pakistan
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia.
Alger Hiss denies ever being a Communist agent
Alger Hiss (November 11, 1904 – November 15, 1996) was an American government official who, in 1948, was accused of spying for the Soviet Union in the 1930s.
Short story writer Dorothy Parker (57) weds screenwriter Alan Campbell (46)
Short story writer Dorothy Parker (57) weds screenwriter Alan Campbell (46)
Pee Wee Reese (Dodgers) and Sam Calderone (Giants) hit inside-the-park home runs
Pee Wee Reese (Dodgers) and Sam Calderone (Giants) hit inside-the-park home runs
18th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Cleveland 33, All-Stars 0 (92,180 attendees)
18th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Cleveland 33, All-Stars 0 (92,180 attendees)
The word "fallout," referring to radioactive particles carried into the atmosphere after a nuclear explosion, is first u
The word "fallout," referring to radioactive particles carried into the atmosphere after a nuclear explosion, is first used in The New York Times
First meeting of Narcotics Anonymous in Southern California
First meeting of Narcotics Anonymous in Southern California
Guillermo Vilas is born
Guillermo Vilas is born
Nelson Piquet is born
Nelson Piquet, Brazilian athlete, known for brazilian racing driver, was born on 1953-08-17.
Hurricane Diane follows Hurricane Connie and floods the Connecticut River, killing 190 people and causing $1.8 billion i
Hurricane Diane follows Hurricane Connie and floods the Connecticut River, killing 190 people and causing $1.8 billion in damage
20,000 women march to Pretoria's Union Buildings to present a petition to the Prime Minister against the carrying of pas
20,000 women march to Pretoria's Union Buildings to present a petition to the Prime Minister against the carrying of passes by women
World's first Moon probe, USA's Thor-Able, explodes at T+77 seconds
World's first Moon probe, USA's Thor-Able, explodes at T+77 seconds
7.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a national park of the United States located in the northwest corner of the state of Wyoming, with small portions extending into Montana and Idaho.
Kennedy administration establishes Alliance for Progress
The Alliance for Progress (Spanish: Alianza para el progreso) was an initiative launched by U.S. President John F.
Sean Penn is born
Sean Penn, American actor and filmmaker, known for american actor and filmmaker, was born on 1961-08-17. Sean Justin Penn is an American actor and filmmaker.
Actor Jack Lemmon (37) weds actress and model Felicia Farr (29) in Paris, France
Actor Jack Lemmon (37) weds actress and model Felicia Farr (29) in Paris, France
East German border guards shoot and kill Peter Fechter, 18, as he attempts to cross the Berlin Wall into the western sec
East German border guards shoot and kill Peter Fechter, 18, as he attempts to cross the Berlin Wall into the western sector
Jim Hickman becomes the first New York Met to hit for the cycle
Jim Hickman becomes the first New York Met to hit for the cycle
Boycott scores his first Test cricket century: 113 against Australia at The Oval
Sir Geoffrey Boycott is a former Test cricketer, who played cricket for Yorkshire and England.
NASA satellite Pioneer 7 launched into solar orbit
NASA satellite Pioneer 7 launched into solar orbit
Dick Beyer (Dr. X) defeats Verne Gagne to become NWA champion
Laverne Clarence "Verne" Gagne (February 26, 1926 – April 27, 2015) was an American amateur and professional wrestler, football player, wrestling trainer and wrestling promoter.
Hurricane Camille strikes the US coastline and kills 259 people, mainly in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana
Hurricane Camille strikes the US coastline and kills 259 people, mainly in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana
Soviet spacecraft Venera 7 is launched towards Venus
Venus is the second planet from the Sun. It is often called Earth's "twin" or "sister" among the planets of the Solar System for its orbit being the closest to Earth's, both being terrestrial...
Jim Courier is born
Jim Courier is born
An earthquake and tsunami in the Philippines kill up to 8,000
The 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami occurred on August 17, 1976, at 00:11 local time near the islands of Mindanao and Sulu, in the Philippines.
Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker "Arktika" is the first surface ship to reach the North Pole
Arktika is a retired nuclear-powered icebreaker of the Soviet (now Russian) Arktika class.
First successful crossing of the Atlantic by balloon is completed by Americans Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Ne
First successful crossing of the Atlantic by balloon is completed by Americans Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman aboard Double Eagle II
Thierry Henry is born
Thierry Henry, French athlete, known for french football manager, was born on 1978-08-17. Thierry Daniel Henry is a French professional football coach, pundit, sports broadcaster, and former player.
"Monty Python's Life of Brian" directed by Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, and John Cleese, and fun
"Monty Python's Life of Brian" directed by Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, and John Cleese, and funded by George Harrison's HandMade Films, premieres in US theaters
Azaria Chamberlain disappears, likely taken by a dingo, leading to one of the most publicized trials in Australian histo
Azaria Chamberlain disappears, likely taken by a dingo, leading to one of the most publicized trials in Australian history
George Brett goes 4-for-4, raising his batting average to .401
George Brett goes 4-for-4, raising his batting average to .401
First compact discs (CDs) released to the public in Germany
Compact Disc Digital Audio (CDDA or CD-DA), also known as Digital Audio Compact Disc or simply as Audio CD, is the standard format for audio compact discs.
Hurricane Alicia kills 17 people in Texas
Hurricane Alicia was a small but powerful tropical cyclone that caused significant destruction in the Greater Houston area of Southeast Texas in August 1983.
Ira Gershwin dies
Ira Gershwin, American lyricist, known for american lyricist, died on 1983-08-17. Ira Gershwin was an American lyricist who collaborated with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, to create…
1,400 meatpackers walk off the job at a George A. Hormel & Company plant
1,400 meatpackers walk off the job at a George A. Hormel & Company plant
Bronze pig statue, named "Rachel" after a real 750-pound pig who won the 1985 Island County Fair, is unveiled at Pike Pl
Bronze pig statue, named "Rachel" after a real 750-pound pig who won the 1985 Island County Fair, is unveiled at Pike Place Market, Seattle
Butch Reynolds runs a world record in the 400 m (43.29)
Butch Reynolds runs a world record in the 400 m (43.29)
ArenaBowl V takes place at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit as the Tampa Bay Storm defeats the Detroit Drive 48-42, with Stevi
ArenaBowl V takes place at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit as the Tampa Bay Storm defeats the Detroit Drive 48-42, with Stevie Thomas named MVP
Hurricane Andrew forms southeast of Barbados in the Caribbean
Hurricane Dean was a powerful and destructive tropical cyclone that became the strongest of the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season.
King Letsie II of Lesotho dismisses premier Ntsu Mokhehle
King Letsie II of Lesotho dismisses premier Ntsu Mokhehle
China performs a nuclear test at Lop Nur, China
China performs a nuclear test at Lop Nur, China
Soyuz TM-24 is launched into orbit
Soyuz TM-24 was the 27th expedition to Mir. Soyuz TM-24 carried a crew of three. The crew consisted of Cosmonauts Valery Korzun and Aleksandr Kaleri, and the first French woman in space, Claudie...
Monica Lewinsky scandal: US President Bill Clinton admits in taped testimony he had an "improper physical relationship"
Monica Lewinsky scandal: US President Bill Clinton admits in taped testimony he had an "improper physical relationship" with the intern and on the same day admits before the nation he "misled people" about the relationship
7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes İzmit, Turkey, killing more than 17,000 and injuring 44,000
7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes İzmit, Turkey, killing more than 17,000 and injuring 44,000
Lil Pump is born
Lil Pump, American musician, known for american rapper, was born on 2001-08-17. Gazzy Fabio Garcia, known professionally as Lil Pump, is an American rapper.
Chinese researchers find an MD5 collision
Chinese researchers find an MD5 collision
The first forced evacuation of settlers begins as part of Israel's unilateral disengagement plan
In 2005, Israel disengaged from the Gaza Strip by dismantling all 21 Israeli settlements there.
Genesis drummer and vocalist Phil Collins (57) divorces Swiss-born Orianne Cevey (35) after six years of marriage
Genesis drummer and vocalist Phil Collins (57) divorces Swiss-born Orianne Cevey (35) after six years of marriage
Australian women's 4 x 100 m medley relay team of Emily Seebohm, Leisel Jones, Jessicah Schipper, and Libby Trickett ups
Australian women's 4 x 100 m medley relay team of Emily Seebohm, Leisel Jones, Jessicah Schipper, and Libby Trickett upsets the United States to win the gold medal in a world record time of 3:52.69 at the Beijing Olympics
Gay pride events are banned for a century in Moscow
Gay pride events are banned for a century in Moscow
15 civilians are killed by a Syrian warplane attack in Aleppo
15 civilians are killed by a Syrian warplane attack in Aleppo
Olympic 1500 m champion from Turkey, Asli Cakir Alptekin, is stripped of her gold medal by the IAAF for doping
Olympic 1500 m champion from Turkey, Asli Cakir Alptekin, is stripped of her gold medal by the IAAF for doping
American sweep in the 100 m women's hurdles at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with Brianna Rollins taking gold ahead of Nia
American sweep in the 100 m women's hurdles at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with Brianna Rollins taking gold ahead of Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin; first time the US has swept medals in an Olympic women's track and field event
Anti-immigrant One Nation party leader Pauline Hanson is widely criticized for wearing a burqa into the Australian Parli
Anti-immigrant One Nation party leader Pauline Hanson is widely criticized for wearing a burqa into the Australian Parliament
Huge wildfires begin on Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, prompting the evacuation of 9,000 people
Huge wildfires begin on Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, prompting the evacuation of 9,000 people
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill becomes the first US college to send students home and convert to online cla
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill becomes the first US college to send students home and convert to online classes after 135 COVID-19 cases are detected
China issues its highest red alert heat warning for at least 138 cities and counties amid the country's longest heatwave
China issues its highest red alert heat warning for at least 138 cities and counties amid the country's longest heatwave since records began, lasting 64 days [1]
First WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit begins in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India [1]
Gujarat is a state along the western coast of India. Its coastline of about 2,340 km (1,450 mi) is the longest in the country, most of which lies on the Kathiawar peninsula.
An estimated 2.5 million people participate in protests across Israel, with 300,000 attending the rally in Tel Aviv, cal
An estimated 2.5 million people participate in protests across Israel, with 300,000 attending the rally in Tel Aviv, calling for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, Palestine [1]