Twenty-four merchants form the New York Stock Exchange at 70 Wall Street
Wall Street is a street in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan in New York City.
What Happened on
A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on May 17 throughout history.
115
Events
7
Births
3
Deaths
Historical Events on May 17
John Hawkins and Richard French patent the reaping machine
John Hawkins and Richard French patent the reaping machine
The first color photograph, of a tartan ribbon is shown by Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell to the Royal Instituti
The first color photograph, of a tartan ribbon is shown by Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell to the Royal Institution in London
US Senate Watergate Committee begins its hearings into the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at
US Senate Watergate Committee begins its hearings into the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C.
Massachusetts becomes the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage
The legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States expanded from one state in 2004 (Massachusetts) to all 50 states in 2015 through various court rulings, state legislation, and direct…
Center-right Hindu nationalist party, the BJP, led by Narendra Modi, wins a landslide general election victory in India
General elections were held in India from 19 April to 1 June 2024 in seven phases, to elect all 543 members of the Lok Sabha.
First televised baseball game is broadcast on NBC, with Princeton University defeating Columbia University 2-1
The 1939 Waynesburg vs. Fordham football game was a college football game between the Fordham Rams and the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets played on September 30, 1939.
"Blurryface," 4th studio album by Twenty One Pilots is released (1st album ever to have every track gold-certified)
"Blurryface," 4th studio album by Twenty One Pilots is released (1st album ever to have every track gold-certified)
1st Kentucky Derby: Oliver Lewis aboard Aristides wins in 2:37.75
The Kentucky Derby () is an American Grade I stakes race run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Philosopher Marquis de Sade (22) weds Renee Pelagie de Montreuil in Paris
Philosopher Marquis de Sade (22) weds Renee Pelagie de Montreuil in Paris
The parents of the poet Lord Byron marry - Captain John Byron and his second wife Catherine Gordon, heiress of the Gight
The parents of the poet Lord Byron marry - Captain John Byron and his second wife Catherine Gordon, heiress of the Gight estate in Scotland
Future US President Andrew Johnson (18) weds Eliza McCardle (16) in Warrenton, Tennessee
Future US President Andrew Johnson (18) weds Eliza McCardle (16) in Warrenton, Tennessee
7th recorded perihelion passage of Halley's Comet
7th recorded perihelion passage of Halley's Comet
Liberius begins his reign as Catholic Pope replacing Julius I
Liberius begins his reign as Catholic Pope replacing Julius I
St Adrian III begins his reign as Catholic Pope
St Adrian III begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, is executed for treason
Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham (3 February 1478 – 17 May 1521) was an English nobleman.
Battle at Zabern: duke of Lutherans beats rebels
Battle at Zabern: duke of Lutherans beats rebels
Afghan leader Sher Shah Suri crowned ruler of Hindustan
Sher Shah Suri, also known by his title Sultan Adil (lit. 'the Just King'), was the Sultan of Hindustan, as the first Sur Emperor, from 1540 until his death in 1545.
Artois, Henegouwen and French-Flanders sign Treaty, the Peace of Parma recognizing Spanish Duke of Parma as land guardia
Artois, Henegouwen and French-Flanders sign Treaty, the Peace of Parma recognizing Spanish Duke of Parma as land guardian
Anne of Denmark is crowned Queen of Scotland
Anne of Denmark was Queen of Scotland from her marriage to James VI and I on 20 August 1589 and Queen of England and Ireland from the union of the Scottish and English crowns on 24 March 1603 until...
First merry-go-round is seen at a fair in Philippopolis in the Ottoman Empire
First merry-go-round is seen at a fair in Philippopolis in the Ottoman Empire
Italian Jesuit Niccolo Zucchi, 1st to see 2 belts on Jupiter surface
Italian Jesuit Niccolo Zucchi, 1st to see 2 belts on Jupiter surface
Earl Johann Tilly attacks Maagdenburg
Earl Johann Tilly attacks Maagdenburg
Emperor Ferdinand III defeats Maximilian I of Bavaria
Maximilian I (17 April 1573 – 27 September 1651), occasionally called the Great, a member of the House of Wittelsbach, ruled as Duke of Bavaria from 1597.
Frontenac becomes Governor of New France (Canada)
New France was the territory colonized by France in North America, beginning with the exploration of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence by Jacques Cartier in 1534 and ending with the cession of New France to...
Frenchmen Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit, set out from the Saint-Ignace mission on an expedition to expl
Frenchmen Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit, set out from the Saint-Ignace mission on an expedition to explore the Mississippi river (reach border of Louisiana and Arkansas)
Pirates sack Velacruz, New Spain, taking 4,000 prisoners for ransom
Pirates sack Velacruz, New Spain, taking 4,000 prisoners for ransom
Maximilian Emanuel of Bavaria honored as "sovereign of Netherlands"
Maximilian Emanuel of Bavaria honored as "sovereign of Netherlands"
Great Britain passes Molasses Act, putting high tariffs on rum and molasses imported to the colonies from a country othe
Great Britain passes Molasses Act, putting high tariffs on rum and molasses imported to the colonies from a country other than British possessions
French army takes Austrian Netherlands
French army takes Austrian Netherlands
-18] Tax revolt in Gorinchem
-18] Tax revolt in Gorinchem
Britain declares war on France (7 Years' or French & Indian War)
The Seven Years' War, 1756 to 1763, was a global war fought by numerous great powers, primarily in Europe, with significant subsidiary campaigns in North America and the Indian subcontinent.
American Revolutionary War: the Continental Congress bans trade with Canada
The American Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783), also known as the Revolutionary War or American War of Independence, was the armed conflict that comprised the final eight years...
English slave ship Sisters, en route from Africa to Cuba, capsizes killing hundreds
English slave ship Sisters, en route from Africa to Cuba, capsizes killing hundreds
Hard frost in southern New England
Hard frost in southern New England
Papal States annexed by France
The Papal States ( PAY-pəl; Italian: Stato Pontificio; Latin: Dicio Pontificia), officially the State of the Church, were a conglomeration of territories on the Italian peninsula under the direct...
Denmark cedes Norway to Sweden (Constitution Day)
Sweden and Norway or Sweden–Norway (Swedish: Svensk-norska unionen; Norwegian: Den svensk-norske union (en)), officially the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, and known as the United Kingdoms,...
Gerrit, Count Schimmelpenninck resigns as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Netherlands
Gerrit, Count Schimmelpenninck resigns as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Netherlands
Fire destroy Centrum in St Louis, Missouri
Fire destroy Centrum in St Louis, Missouri
Thorbeckes liberals win 2nd-Parliamentary election
Thorbeckes liberals win 2nd-Parliamentary election
Australian Rules Football first 'laws of the game' published
The origins of Australian rules football date back to the late 1850s in Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria. There is documentary evidence of "foot-ball" being played in Australia as early as the...
German football club TSV 1860 München is founded
Turn- und Sportverein München von 1860, commonly known as TSV 1860 München or 1860 Munich, is a sports club based in Munich. The club's football team plays in the 3.
Battle of Princeton West Virginia, ends with about 128 causalities
Battle of Princeton West Virginia, ends with about 128 causalities
Battle of Big Black River Bridge, Mississippi
The Battle of Big Black River Bridge was fought on May 17, 1863, as part of the Vicksburg Campaign of the American Civil War.
Battle of Adairsville Georgia, Union forces Confederates to retreat
The Battle of Adairsville was a part of the Atlanta campaign fought during the American Civil War on May 17, 1864, just northeast of Rome, Georgia.
The International Telegraph Union (later the International Telecommunication Union) is established
The International Telegraph Union (later the International Telecommunication Union) is established
Bohemian Club incorporated in San Francisco
Bohemian Club incorporated in San Francisco
Edwin T. Holmes installs the first telephone switchboard burglar alarm
A telephone switchboard is a device used to connect circuits of telephones to establish telephone calls between users or other switchboards.
Alaska becomes a US territory
The Territory of Alaska or Alaska Territory was an organized incorporated territory of the United States from August 24, 1912, until Alaska was granted statehood on January 3, 1959.
Camp Merritt forms in Presidio [see 0503]
Camp Merritt forms in Presidio [see 0503]
Victoria & Albert Museum foundation laid, London, England
Victoria & Albert Museum foundation laid, London, England
Greek archaeologist Valerios Stais discovers the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient mechanical analog computer
The Antikythera mechanism ( AN-tik-ih-THEER-ə, US also AN-ty-kih-) is an ancient Greek hand-powered orrery (model of the Solar System). It is the oldest known example of an analogue computer.
Cleveland Indians beat NY Highlanders 9-2 in Columbus Ohio
Cleveland Indians beat NY Highlanders 9-2 in Columbus Ohio
Waseda U of Tokyo defeats LA High School 5-3 in baseball
Waseda U of Tokyo defeats LA High School 5-3 in baseball
White firemen on the Georgia Railroad strike to protest the hiring of Black workers
White firemen on the Georgia Railroad strike to protest the hiring of Black workers
Canada sets the designs for the 1-50 cent coins
Canada sets the designs for the 1-50 cent coins
British Summer Time (Daylight Savings) introduced
During British Summer Time (BST), civil time in the United Kingdom is advanced one hour forward of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), in effect changing the time zone from UTC+00:00 to UTC+01:00, so that...
Maurice Ravel's orchestral piece "Alborada del gracioso" premieres in Paris by the Pasdeloup Orchestra
Alborada del gracioso (The Jester's Aubade) is the fourth of the five movements of Maurice Ravel's piano suite Miroirs, written in 1905.
First flight by Dutch airline KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij), a joint venture with British Aerial Transport;
First flight by Dutch airline KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij), a joint venture with British Aerial Transport; a de Havilland double-decker plane from London lands at Schiphol in Amsterdam
Belgian and Luxembourg sign customs union
The Belgium–Luxembourg Economic Union (Dutch: Belgisch-Luxemburgse Economische Unie, French: Union économique belgo-luxembourgeoise, German: Belgisch-Luxemburgische Wirtschaftsunion, Luxembourgish:...
Fire during closing day ceremonies at Grover Cleveland School, South Carolina
Fire during closing day ceremonies at Grover Cleveland School, South Carolina
MLB Chicago Cubs beat Boston Braves, 4-3, in 22 innings, at Braves Field in Boston, Massachusetts
MLB Chicago Cubs beat Boston Braves, 4-3, in 22 innings, at Braves Field in Boston, Massachusetts
US Congress changes name "Porto Rico" to "Puerto Rico"
Puerto Rico (abbreviated PR), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a self-governing Caribbean archipelago and island organized as an unincorporated territory of the United States under the...
Juan Negrin succeeds Largo Caballero as Spain's premier
Juan Negrín López was a Spanish physician and politician who served as prime minister of the Second Spanish Republic.
Radio quiz show "Information Please!" debuts on NBC Blue Network
Information Please is an American radio quiz show, created by Dan Golenpaul, which aired on NBC from May 17, 1938, to April 22, 1951.
Germany occupies Brussels, Belgium and begins invasion of France
Germany occupies Brussels, Belgium and begins invasion of France
Pennsylvania declares legal holiday to honor Philadelphia A's baseball club manager Connie Mack
Pennsylvania declares legal holiday to honor Philadelphia A's baseball club manager Connie Mack
-18] Allied air raid on Surabaja, Java
-18] Allied air raid on Surabaja, Java
2 US P-47 Thunderbolts bomb Kiushu
2 US P-47 Thunderbolts bomb Kiushu
KVP Labor/Communists win 1st post-WW2 Dutch parliamentary elections
KVP Labor/Communists win 1st post-WW2 Dutch parliamentary elections
Israel liberates Acre, Nebi Yusha & Telel-Kadi
Israel liberates Acre, Nebi Yusha & Telel-Kadi
British government recognises Republic of Ireland (previously Irish Free State)
The Irish Free State (6 December 1922 – 29 December 1937), also known by its Irish name Saorstát Éireann, was a state established in December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December 1921.
Yanks & Browns use record 41 players in a game
Yanks & Browns use record 41 players in a game
US Supreme Court unanimously rules on Brown v Topeka Board of Education reverses 1896 "separate but equal" Plessy v Ferg
US Supreme Court unanimously rules on Brown v Topeka Board of Education reverses 1896 "separate but equal" Plessy v Ferguson decision ruling racial segregation in public schools as illegal
Dutch government of Willem Drees resigns
Willem Drees Sr. (5 July 1886 – 14 May 1988) was a Dutch politician of the Social Democratic Workers' Party (SDAP) and later co-founder of the Labour Party (PvdA) and historian who served as Prime...
Emergency crisis proclaimed in Algeria
The May 1958 crisis (French: Crise de mai 1958), also known as the Algiers putsch or the coup of 13 May, was a political crisis in France during the turmoil of the Algerian War (1954–1962) which led...
First atomic reactor system patented by J. W. Flora of Canoga Park, California
First atomic reactor system patented by J. W. Flora of Canoga Park, California
Columbia Records officially opens the Pitman Pressing Plant, designed by American architect Minoru Yamasaki, in Pitman,
Columbia Records officially opens the Pitman Pressing Plant, designed by American architect Minoru Yamasaki, in Pitman, New Jersey
Marin County withdraws from BART district
Marin County withdraws from BART district
Houston Colt .45's Don Notterbart no-hits Phillies, 4-1
Houston Colt .45's Don Notterbart no-hits Phillies, 4-1
KFDO (now KVIJ) TV channel 8 in Sayre, Oklahoma (ABC) begins broadcasting
KFDO (now KVIJ) TV channel 8 in Sayre, Oklahoma (ABC) begins broadcasting
Dylan's 1965 UK Tour is released as film "Don't Look Back"
Dont Look Back is a 1967 American documentary film directed by D. A. Pennebaker that covers Bob Dylan's 1965 concert tour in England. In 1998, the film was selected for preservation in the United...
European Space Research Org launches 1st satellite
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope designed to conduct infrared astronomy.
"My Wife, My Dog, My Cat" by Maskman & The Agents hits #92
"My Wife, My Dog, My Cat" by Maskman & The Agents hits #92
Stephen Schwartz' musical "Godspell" premieres off-Broadway
Godspell is a musical in two acts with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John-Michael Tebelak.
Netherlands & People's Republic of China exchange ambassadors
Netherlands & People's Republic of China exchange ambassadors
Angels outfielder Bobby Valentine breaks his leg trying to scale wall to prevent a Dick Green home run during a 5-4 loss
Angels outfielder Bobby Valentine breaks his leg trying to scale wall to prevent a Dick Green home run during a 5-4 loss to the A's
"Funky Gibbon" by The Goodies hits #79
"The Funky Gibbon" is a novelty song by Bill Oddie and recorded by The Goodies. It was arranged by Tom Parker ("with interference from Bill Oddie") with the musical backing provided by members of the...
Los Angeles Dodgers Lee Lacy hits record 3rd consecutive pinch-hit home run
Los Angeles Dodgers Lee Lacy hits record 3rd consecutive pinch-hit home run
Coldest temperature ever recorded in Hawaii: 12°F (-11°C), on the Big Island at Mauna Kea Observatory, elevation 13,796
Coldest temperature ever recorded in Hawaii: 12°F (-11°C), on the Big Island at Mauna Kea Observatory, elevation 13,796 feet
Major race riot in Miami, Florida - 16 killed, 300 injured
Major race riot in Miami, Florida - 16 killed, 300 injured
Islanders score 5 power play goals against Flyers in a playoff
This is a list of players who have scored five or more goals in a National Hockey League (NHL) game.
Israel & Lebanon sign a peace treaty
Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a country in the Southern Levant region of West Asia.
Cincinnati Reds Mario Soto throws 4 strikeouts in one inning
The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. The Reds compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) Central Division.
Les Anderson, catches record 97 lb 4 oz Chinook salmon, while fishing off coast of Alaska
Les Anderson, catches record 97 lb 4 oz Chinook salmon, while fishing off coast of Alaska
"Chicken Song" by Spitting Image hits #1 on the UK pop chart
The Hee Bee Gee Bees was a fictitious pop group which parodied pop groups and performers in the early 1980s, consisting of Angus Deayton, Michael Fenton Stevens, and Philip Pope of the UK radio...
USS Stark hit by Iraqi missiles, 37 sailors die
The USS Stark incident occurred during the Iran–Iraq War in the Persian Gulf on 17 May 1987, when an Iraqi jet aircraft fired two Exocet missiles at the U.S. frigate USS Stark.
Longest cab ride at 14,000 miles costs $16,000 (later surpassed)
Longest cab ride at 14,000 miles costs $16,000 (later surpassed)
At least 10 people are killed as pro-democracy protests begin in Thailand
At least 10 people are killed as pro-democracy protests begin in Thailand
Bakili Muluzi's UDF wins Malawi presidents/parliamentary election
The politics of Malawi takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Malawi is both head of state and head of government, and of a...
Habib & Whitaker make 320 for 5th Cricket wkt, Leics v Worcs
Habib & Whitaker make 320 for 5th Cricket wkt, Leics v Worcs
New York Yankees pitcher David Wells tosses a perfect game in a 4-0 win against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium, N
New York Yankees pitcher David Wells tosses a perfect game in a 4-0 win against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium, NY
Explosion rocks Glorietta Mall in Manila's Makati business district, injuring 13 people, mostly teenagers. According to
Explosion rocks Glorietta Mall in Manila's Makati business district, injuring 13 people, mostly teenagers. According to local authorities, the homemade bomb was placed in front of a toilet beside a video arcade.
Aircraft carrier USS Oriskany is sunk in the Gulf of Mexico to form an artificial reef
USS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34) ( or ) was one of the few Essex-class aircraft carriers completed after World War II for the United States Navy.
Demolition work begins at Dublin's famous Lansdowne Road Stadium to be replaced by the new Aviva Stadium, opened in 2010
Demolition work begins at Dublin's famous Lansdowne Road Stadium to be replaced by the new Aviva Stadium, opened in 2010
Video game Minecraft is first released to the public while still in development
The development of the 2011 sandbox game Minecraft spans over 16 years and multiple major updates.
Archaeologists announce the discovery of the oldest tomb in Mesoamerica at 2,700 years old, at Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico,
Archaeologists announce the discovery of the oldest tomb in Mesoamerica at 2,700 years old, at Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico, containing the remains of a 50-year-old man [1]
90 people are killed and 200 are injured after a series of bombings across Iraq
90 people are killed and 200 are injured after a series of bombings across Iraq
Atlético Madrid win the 2013–14 La Liga
The 2013–14 La Liga season (known as the Liga BBVA for sponsorship reasons) was the 83rd since its establishment. Matchdays were drawn on 9 July 2013.
St Johnstone FC win the Scottish Cup for 1st time in 130 years, defeating Dundee United 2-0
St Johnstone FC win the Scottish Cup for 1st time in 130 years, defeating Dundee United 2-0
Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo spreads to the city of Mbandaka
Mbandaka is a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo located near the confluence of the Congo and Ruki rivers.
Taiwan's parliament votes to legalize same-sex marriage, the first Asian country
Taiwan's parliament votes to legalize same-sex marriage, the first Asian country
Cyclone Tauktae makes landfall in the Indian state of Gujarat with wind speeds of up to 160km/h (100mph)
Cyclone Tauktae makes landfall in the Indian state of Gujarat with wind speeds of up to 160km/h (100mph)
Montana is the first US state to ban TikTok, with Governor Greg Gianforte signing legislation to ban the Chinese-owned s
Montana is the first US state to ban TikTok, with Governor Greg Gianforte signing legislation to ban the Chinese-owned social media network to protect against alleged intelligence gathering [1]
Mexican Navy training ship ARM Cuauhtémoc, a 160-foot tall steel-hulled, three-masted barque, drifts into the underside
Mexican Navy training ship ARM Cuauhtémoc, a 160-foot tall steel-hulled, three-masted barque, drifts into the underside of NYC's Brooklyn Bridge, snapping the ship's masts, killing two sailors and injuring dozens more
Famous Births on May 17
birth
Alfonso XIII is born
Alfonso XIII, French king of spain from 1886 to 1931, known for king of spain from 1886 to 1931, was born on 1886-05-17.
birth
Alan Kay is born
Alan Kay, American computer scientist, known for american computer scientist, was born on 1941-05-17.
birth
Dennis Hopper is born
Dennis Hopper, American actor and filmmaker, known for american actor and filmmaker, was born on 1936-05-17.
birth
Craig Ferguson is born
Craig Ferguson, South African comedian and television host, known for scottish comedian and television host, was born on 1963-05-17.
birth
Trent Reznor is born
Trent Reznor, American singer-songwriter musician, known for american singer-songwriter musician, was born on 1966-05-17.
birth
Enya is born
Enya, Irish musician, known for irish singer, was born on 1962-05-17. Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin, known mononymously as Enya, is an Irish singer and composer.
birth
Sugar Ray Leonard is born
Sugar Ray Leonard, American athlete, known for american boxer, was born on 1957-05-17. Ray Charles Leonard, better known as Sugar Ray Leonard, is an American former professional boxer.
Notable Deaths on May 17
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on May 17, 1792?
- Wall Street is a street in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan in New York City.
- What happened on May 17, 1803?
- John Hawkins and Richard French patent the reaping machine
- What happened on May 17, 1861?
- The first color photograph, of a tartan ribbon is shown by Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell to the Royal Institution in London
- What happened on May 17, 1973?
- US Senate Watergate Committee begins its hearings into the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C.
- What happened on May 17, 2004?
- The legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States expanded from one state in 2004 (Massachusetts) to all 50 states in 2015 through various court rulings, state legislation, and direct…
Complete Timeline — May 17 Through the Ages
7th recorded perihelion passage of Halley's Comet
7th recorded perihelion passage of Halley's Comet
Liberius begins his reign as Catholic Pope replacing Julius I
Liberius begins his reign as Catholic Pope replacing Julius I
St Adrian III begins his reign as Catholic Pope
St Adrian III begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, is executed for treason
Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham (3 February 1478 – 17 May 1521) was an English nobleman.
Battle at Zabern: duke of Lutherans beats rebels
Battle at Zabern: duke of Lutherans beats rebels
Afghan leader Sher Shah Suri crowned ruler of Hindustan
Sher Shah Suri, also known by his title Sultan Adil (lit. 'the Just King'), was the Sultan of Hindustan, as the first Sur Emperor, from 1540 until his death in 1545.
Artois, Henegouwen and French-Flanders sign Treaty, the Peace of Parma recognizing Spanish Duke of Parma as land guardia
Artois, Henegouwen and French-Flanders sign Treaty, the Peace of Parma recognizing Spanish Duke of Parma as land guardian
Anne of Denmark is crowned Queen of Scotland
Anne of Denmark was Queen of Scotland from her marriage to James VI and I on 20 August 1589 and Queen of England and Ireland from the union of the Scottish and English crowns on 24 March 1603 until...
First merry-go-round is seen at a fair in Philippopolis in the Ottoman Empire
First merry-go-round is seen at a fair in Philippopolis in the Ottoman Empire
Italian Jesuit Niccolo Zucchi, 1st to see 2 belts on Jupiter surface
Italian Jesuit Niccolo Zucchi, 1st to see 2 belts on Jupiter surface
Earl Johann Tilly attacks Maagdenburg
Earl Johann Tilly attacks Maagdenburg
Emperor Ferdinand III defeats Maximilian I of Bavaria
Maximilian I (17 April 1573 – 27 September 1651), occasionally called the Great, a member of the House of Wittelsbach, ruled as Duke of Bavaria from 1597.
Frontenac becomes Governor of New France (Canada)
New France was the territory colonized by France in North America, beginning with the exploration of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence by Jacques Cartier in 1534 and ending with the cession of New France to...
Frenchmen Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit, set out from the Saint-Ignace mission on an expedition to expl
Frenchmen Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit, set out from the Saint-Ignace mission on an expedition to explore the Mississippi river (reach border of Louisiana and Arkansas)
Pirates sack Velacruz, New Spain, taking 4,000 prisoners for ransom
Pirates sack Velacruz, New Spain, taking 4,000 prisoners for ransom
Johann Michael Bach dies
Johann Michael Bach dies
Maximilian Emanuel of Bavaria honored as "sovereign of Netherlands"
Maximilian Emanuel of Bavaria honored as "sovereign of Netherlands"
Great Britain passes Molasses Act, putting high tariffs on rum and molasses imported to the colonies from a country othe
Great Britain passes Molasses Act, putting high tariffs on rum and molasses imported to the colonies from a country other than British possessions
French army takes Austrian Netherlands
French army takes Austrian Netherlands
-18] Tax revolt in Gorinchem
-18] Tax revolt in Gorinchem
Britain declares war on France (7 Years' or French & Indian War)
The Seven Years' War, 1756 to 1763, was a global war fought by numerous great powers, primarily in Europe, with significant subsidiary campaigns in North America and the Indian subcontinent.
Philosopher Marquis de Sade (22) weds Renee Pelagie de Montreuil in Paris
Philosopher Marquis de Sade (22) weds Renee Pelagie de Montreuil in Paris
American Revolutionary War: the Continental Congress bans trade with Canada
The American Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783), also known as the Revolutionary War or American War of Independence, was the armed conflict that comprised the final eight years...
The parents of the poet Lord Byron marry - Captain John Byron and his second wife Catherine Gordon, heiress of the Gight
The parents of the poet Lord Byron marry - Captain John Byron and his second wife Catherine Gordon, heiress of the Gight estate in Scotland
English slave ship Sisters, en route from Africa to Cuba, capsizes killing hundreds
English slave ship Sisters, en route from Africa to Cuba, capsizes killing hundreds
Twenty-four merchants form the New York Stock Exchange at 70 Wall Street
Wall Street is a street in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan in New York City.
Hard frost in southern New England
Hard frost in southern New England
John Hawkins and Richard French patent the reaping machine
John Hawkins and Richard French patent the reaping machine
Papal States annexed by France
The Papal States ( PAY-pəl; Italian: Stato Pontificio; Latin: Dicio Pontificia), officially the State of the Church, were a conglomeration of territories on the Italian peninsula under the direct...
Denmark cedes Norway to Sweden (Constitution Day)
Sweden and Norway or Sweden–Norway (Swedish: Svensk-norska unionen; Norwegian: Den svensk-norske union (en)), officially the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, and known as the United Kingdoms,...
Future US President Andrew Johnson (18) weds Eliza McCardle (16) in Warrenton, Tennessee
Future US President Andrew Johnson (18) weds Eliza McCardle (16) in Warrenton, Tennessee
John Jay dies
John Jay founding father, known for american founding father, died on 1829-05-17. John Jay (December 23 [O.S.
Gerrit, Count Schimmelpenninck resigns as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Netherlands
Gerrit, Count Schimmelpenninck resigns as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Netherlands
Fire destroy Centrum in St Louis, Missouri
Fire destroy Centrum in St Louis, Missouri
Thorbeckes liberals win 2nd-Parliamentary election
Thorbeckes liberals win 2nd-Parliamentary election
Australian Rules Football first 'laws of the game' published
The origins of Australian rules football date back to the late 1850s in Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria. There is documentary evidence of "foot-ball" being played in Australia as early as the...
German football club TSV 1860 München is founded
Turn- und Sportverein München von 1860, commonly known as TSV 1860 München or 1860 Munich, is a sports club based in Munich. The club's football team plays in the 3.
The first color photograph, of a tartan ribbon is shown by Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell to the Royal Instituti
The first color photograph, of a tartan ribbon is shown by Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell to the Royal Institution in London
Battle of Princeton West Virginia, ends with about 128 causalities
Battle of Princeton West Virginia, ends with about 128 causalities
Battle of Big Black River Bridge, Mississippi
The Battle of Big Black River Bridge was fought on May 17, 1863, as part of the Vicksburg Campaign of the American Civil War.
Battle of Adairsville Georgia, Union forces Confederates to retreat
The Battle of Adairsville was a part of the Atlanta campaign fought during the American Civil War on May 17, 1864, just northeast of Rome, Georgia.
The International Telegraph Union (later the International Telecommunication Union) is established
The International Telegraph Union (later the International Telecommunication Union) is established
Bohemian Club incorporated in San Francisco
Bohemian Club incorporated in San Francisco
1st Kentucky Derby: Oliver Lewis aboard Aristides wins in 2:37.75
The Kentucky Derby () is an American Grade I stakes race run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Edwin T. Holmes installs the first telephone switchboard burglar alarm
A telephone switchboard is a device used to connect circuits of telephones to establish telephone calls between users or other switchboards.
Alaska becomes a US territory
The Territory of Alaska or Alaska Territory was an organized incorporated territory of the United States from August 24, 1912, until Alaska was granted statehood on January 3, 1959.
Alfonso XIII is born
Alfonso XIII, French king of spain from 1886 to 1931, known for king of spain from 1886 to 1931, was born on 1886-05-17.
Camp Merritt forms in Presidio [see 0503]
Camp Merritt forms in Presidio [see 0503]
Victoria & Albert Museum foundation laid, London, England
Victoria & Albert Museum foundation laid, London, England
Greek archaeologist Valerios Stais discovers the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient mechanical analog computer
The Antikythera mechanism ( AN-tik-ih-THEER-ə, US also AN-ty-kih-) is an ancient Greek hand-powered orrery (model of the Solar System). It is the oldest known example of an analogue computer.
Cleveland Indians beat NY Highlanders 9-2 in Columbus Ohio
Cleveland Indians beat NY Highlanders 9-2 in Columbus Ohio
Waseda U of Tokyo defeats LA High School 5-3 in baseball
Waseda U of Tokyo defeats LA High School 5-3 in baseball
White firemen on the Georgia Railroad strike to protest the hiring of Black workers
White firemen on the Georgia Railroad strike to protest the hiring of Black workers
Canada sets the designs for the 1-50 cent coins
Canada sets the designs for the 1-50 cent coins
British Summer Time (Daylight Savings) introduced
During British Summer Time (BST), civil time in the United Kingdom is advanced one hour forward of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), in effect changing the time zone from UTC+00:00 to UTC+01:00, so that...
Maurice Ravel's orchestral piece "Alborada del gracioso" premieres in Paris by the Pasdeloup Orchestra
Alborada del gracioso (The Jester's Aubade) is the fourth of the five movements of Maurice Ravel's piano suite Miroirs, written in 1905.
First flight by Dutch airline KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij), a joint venture with British Aerial Transport;
First flight by Dutch airline KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij), a joint venture with British Aerial Transport; a de Havilland double-decker plane from London lands at Schiphol in Amsterdam
Belgian and Luxembourg sign customs union
The Belgium–Luxembourg Economic Union (Dutch: Belgisch-Luxemburgse Economische Unie, French: Union économique belgo-luxembourgeoise, German: Belgisch-Luxemburgische Wirtschaftsunion, Luxembourgish:...
Fire during closing day ceremonies at Grover Cleveland School, South Carolina
Fire during closing day ceremonies at Grover Cleveland School, South Carolina
MLB Chicago Cubs beat Boston Braves, 4-3, in 22 innings, at Braves Field in Boston, Massachusetts
MLB Chicago Cubs beat Boston Braves, 4-3, in 22 innings, at Braves Field in Boston, Massachusetts
US Congress changes name "Porto Rico" to "Puerto Rico"
Puerto Rico (abbreviated PR), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a self-governing Caribbean archipelago and island organized as an unincorporated territory of the United States under the...
Dennis Hopper is born
Dennis Hopper, American actor and filmmaker, known for american actor and filmmaker, was born on 1936-05-17.
Juan Negrin succeeds Largo Caballero as Spain's premier
Juan Negrín López was a Spanish physician and politician who served as prime minister of the Second Spanish Republic.
Radio quiz show "Information Please!" debuts on NBC Blue Network
Information Please is an American radio quiz show, created by Dan Golenpaul, which aired on NBC from May 17, 1938, to April 22, 1951.
First televised baseball game is broadcast on NBC, with Princeton University defeating Columbia University 2-1
The 1939 Waynesburg vs. Fordham football game was a college football game between the Fordham Rams and the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets played on September 30, 1939.
Germany occupies Brussels, Belgium and begins invasion of France
Germany occupies Brussels, Belgium and begins invasion of France
Pennsylvania declares legal holiday to honor Philadelphia A's baseball club manager Connie Mack
Pennsylvania declares legal holiday to honor Philadelphia A's baseball club manager Connie Mack
Alan Kay is born
Alan Kay, American computer scientist, known for american computer scientist, was born on 1941-05-17.
-18] Allied air raid on Surabaja, Java
-18] Allied air raid on Surabaja, Java
2 US P-47 Thunderbolts bomb Kiushu
2 US P-47 Thunderbolts bomb Kiushu
KVP Labor/Communists win 1st post-WW2 Dutch parliamentary elections
KVP Labor/Communists win 1st post-WW2 Dutch parliamentary elections
Israel liberates Acre, Nebi Yusha & Telel-Kadi
Israel liberates Acre, Nebi Yusha & Telel-Kadi
British government recognises Republic of Ireland (previously Irish Free State)
The Irish Free State (6 December 1922 – 29 December 1937), also known by its Irish name Saorstát Éireann, was a state established in December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December 1921.
Yanks & Browns use record 41 players in a game
Yanks & Browns use record 41 players in a game
US Supreme Court unanimously rules on Brown v Topeka Board of Education reverses 1896 "separate but equal" Plessy v Ferg
US Supreme Court unanimously rules on Brown v Topeka Board of Education reverses 1896 "separate but equal" Plessy v Ferguson decision ruling racial segregation in public schools as illegal
Dutch government of Willem Drees resigns
Willem Drees Sr. (5 July 1886 – 14 May 1988) was a Dutch politician of the Social Democratic Workers' Party (SDAP) and later co-founder of the Labour Party (PvdA) and historian who served as Prime...
Sugar Ray Leonard is born
Sugar Ray Leonard, American athlete, known for american boxer, was born on 1957-05-17. Ray Charles Leonard, better known as Sugar Ray Leonard, is an American former professional boxer.
Emergency crisis proclaimed in Algeria
The May 1958 crisis (French: Crise de mai 1958), also known as the Algiers putsch or the coup of 13 May, was a political crisis in France during the turmoil of the Algerian War (1954–1962) which led...
First atomic reactor system patented by J. W. Flora of Canoga Park, California
First atomic reactor system patented by J. W. Flora of Canoga Park, California
Columbia Records officially opens the Pitman Pressing Plant, designed by American architect Minoru Yamasaki, in Pitman,
Columbia Records officially opens the Pitman Pressing Plant, designed by American architect Minoru Yamasaki, in Pitman, New Jersey
Marin County withdraws from BART district
Marin County withdraws from BART district
Enya is born
Enya, Irish musician, known for irish singer, was born on 1962-05-17. Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin, known mononymously as Enya, is an Irish singer and composer.
Houston Colt .45's Don Notterbart no-hits Phillies, 4-1
Houston Colt .45's Don Notterbart no-hits Phillies, 4-1
Craig Ferguson is born
Craig Ferguson, South African comedian and television host, known for scottish comedian and television host, was born on 1963-05-17.
KFDO (now KVIJ) TV channel 8 in Sayre, Oklahoma (ABC) begins broadcasting
KFDO (now KVIJ) TV channel 8 in Sayre, Oklahoma (ABC) begins broadcasting
Trent Reznor is born
Trent Reznor, American singer-songwriter musician, known for american singer-songwriter musician, was born on 1966-05-17.
Dylan's 1965 UK Tour is released as film "Don't Look Back"
Dont Look Back is a 1967 American documentary film directed by D. A. Pennebaker that covers Bob Dylan's 1965 concert tour in England. In 1998, the film was selected for preservation in the United...
European Space Research Org launches 1st satellite
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope designed to conduct infrared astronomy.
"My Wife, My Dog, My Cat" by Maskman & The Agents hits #92
"My Wife, My Dog, My Cat" by Maskman & The Agents hits #92
Stephen Schwartz' musical "Godspell" premieres off-Broadway
Godspell is a musical in two acts with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John-Michael Tebelak.
Netherlands & People's Republic of China exchange ambassadors
Netherlands & People's Republic of China exchange ambassadors
US Senate Watergate Committee begins its hearings into the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at
US Senate Watergate Committee begins its hearings into the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C.
Angels outfielder Bobby Valentine breaks his leg trying to scale wall to prevent a Dick Green home run during a 5-4 loss
Angels outfielder Bobby Valentine breaks his leg trying to scale wall to prevent a Dick Green home run during a 5-4 loss to the A's
"Funky Gibbon" by The Goodies hits #79
"The Funky Gibbon" is a novelty song by Bill Oddie and recorded by The Goodies. It was arranged by Tom Parker ("with interference from Bill Oddie") with the musical backing provided by members of the...
Los Angeles Dodgers Lee Lacy hits record 3rd consecutive pinch-hit home run
Los Angeles Dodgers Lee Lacy hits record 3rd consecutive pinch-hit home run
Coldest temperature ever recorded in Hawaii: 12°F (-11°C), on the Big Island at Mauna Kea Observatory, elevation 13,796
Coldest temperature ever recorded in Hawaii: 12°F (-11°C), on the Big Island at Mauna Kea Observatory, elevation 13,796 feet
Major race riot in Miami, Florida - 16 killed, 300 injured
Major race riot in Miami, Florida - 16 killed, 300 injured
Islanders score 5 power play goals against Flyers in a playoff
This is a list of players who have scored five or more goals in a National Hockey League (NHL) game.
Israel & Lebanon sign a peace treaty
Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a country in the Southern Levant region of West Asia.
Cincinnati Reds Mario Soto throws 4 strikeouts in one inning
The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. The Reds compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) Central Division.
Les Anderson, catches record 97 lb 4 oz Chinook salmon, while fishing off coast of Alaska
Les Anderson, catches record 97 lb 4 oz Chinook salmon, while fishing off coast of Alaska
"Chicken Song" by Spitting Image hits #1 on the UK pop chart
The Hee Bee Gee Bees was a fictitious pop group which parodied pop groups and performers in the early 1980s, consisting of Angus Deayton, Michael Fenton Stevens, and Philip Pope of the UK radio...
USS Stark hit by Iraqi missiles, 37 sailors die
The USS Stark incident occurred during the Iran–Iraq War in the Persian Gulf on 17 May 1987, when an Iraqi jet aircraft fired two Exocet missiles at the U.S. frigate USS Stark.
Longest cab ride at 14,000 miles costs $16,000 (later surpassed)
Longest cab ride at 14,000 miles costs $16,000 (later surpassed)
At least 10 people are killed as pro-democracy protests begin in Thailand
At least 10 people are killed as pro-democracy protests begin in Thailand
Bakili Muluzi's UDF wins Malawi presidents/parliamentary election
The politics of Malawi takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Malawi is both head of state and head of government, and of a...
Habib & Whitaker make 320 for 5th Cricket wkt, Leics v Worcs
Habib & Whitaker make 320 for 5th Cricket wkt, Leics v Worcs
New York Yankees pitcher David Wells tosses a perfect game in a 4-0 win against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium, N
New York Yankees pitcher David Wells tosses a perfect game in a 4-0 win against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium, NY
Explosion rocks Glorietta Mall in Manila's Makati business district, injuring 13 people, mostly teenagers. According to
Explosion rocks Glorietta Mall in Manila's Makati business district, injuring 13 people, mostly teenagers. According to local authorities, the homemade bomb was placed in front of a toilet beside a video arcade.
Massachusetts becomes the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage
The legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States expanded from one state in 2004 (Massachusetts) to all 50 states in 2015 through various court rulings, state legislation, and direct…
Aircraft carrier USS Oriskany is sunk in the Gulf of Mexico to form an artificial reef
USS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34) ( or ) was one of the few Essex-class aircraft carriers completed after World War II for the United States Navy.
Demolition work begins at Dublin's famous Lansdowne Road Stadium to be replaced by the new Aviva Stadium, opened in 2010
Demolition work begins at Dublin's famous Lansdowne Road Stadium to be replaced by the new Aviva Stadium, opened in 2010
Video game Minecraft is first released to the public while still in development
The development of the 2011 sandbox game Minecraft spans over 16 years and multiple major updates.
Archaeologists announce the discovery of the oldest tomb in Mesoamerica at 2,700 years old, at Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico,
Archaeologists announce the discovery of the oldest tomb in Mesoamerica at 2,700 years old, at Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico, containing the remains of a 50-year-old man [1]
90 people are killed and 200 are injured after a series of bombings across Iraq
90 people are killed and 200 are injured after a series of bombings across Iraq
Jorge Rafael Videla dies
Jorge Rafael Videla dies
Center-right Hindu nationalist party, the BJP, led by Narendra Modi, wins a landslide general election victory in India
General elections were held in India from 19 April to 1 June 2024 in seven phases, to elect all 543 members of the Lok Sabha.
Atlético Madrid win the 2013–14 La Liga
The 2013–14 La Liga season (known as the Liga BBVA for sponsorship reasons) was the 83rd since its establishment. Matchdays were drawn on 9 July 2013.
St Johnstone FC win the Scottish Cup for 1st time in 130 years, defeating Dundee United 2-0
St Johnstone FC win the Scottish Cup for 1st time in 130 years, defeating Dundee United 2-0
"Blurryface," 4th studio album by Twenty One Pilots is released (1st album ever to have every track gold-certified)
"Blurryface," 4th studio album by Twenty One Pilots is released (1st album ever to have every track gold-certified)
Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo spreads to the city of Mbandaka
Mbandaka is a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo located near the confluence of the Congo and Ruki rivers.
Taiwan's parliament votes to legalize same-sex marriage, the first Asian country
Taiwan's parliament votes to legalize same-sex marriage, the first Asian country
Cyclone Tauktae makes landfall in the Indian state of Gujarat with wind speeds of up to 160km/h (100mph)
Cyclone Tauktae makes landfall in the Indian state of Gujarat with wind speeds of up to 160km/h (100mph)
Montana is the first US state to ban TikTok, with Governor Greg Gianforte signing legislation to ban the Chinese-owned s
Montana is the first US state to ban TikTok, with Governor Greg Gianforte signing legislation to ban the Chinese-owned social media network to protect against alleged intelligence gathering [1]
Mexican Navy training ship ARM Cuauhtémoc, a 160-foot tall steel-hulled, three-masted barque, drifts into the underside
Mexican Navy training ship ARM Cuauhtémoc, a 160-foot tall steel-hulled, three-masted barque, drifts into the underside of NYC's Brooklyn Bridge, snapping the ship's masts, killing two sailors and injuring dozens more