Discover what happened on August 17 in history as groundbreaking innovations, literary milestones, remarkable achievements, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on August 17 in History?
On this day, Robert Fulton’s steamboat began the world’s first successful commercial steamboat service, George Orwell’s Animal Farm was published, and Michael Phelps became the first athlete to win eight gold medals at a single Olympic Games.
AUGUST 17 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1790 – The United States capital moved from New York City to Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia served as the nation’s temporary capital until the federal government moved to Washington, D.C., in 1800.
1807 – Robert Fulton’s North River Steamboat left New York, NY for Albany, NY, on the Hudson River, beginning the first commercial steamboat service in the world.
1859 – Mail was carried by hot-air balloon for the first time in the United States. John Wise left Lafayette, IN, carrying about 100 letters bound for New York City, but weather forced him to land after traveling only about 27 miles.
1896 – George Carmack, Skookum Jim and Dawson Charlie staked claims on Rabbit Creek (later renamed Bonanza Creek) in Canada’s Yukon Territory following the discovery of gold there. The discovery helped trigger the Klondike Gold Rush.
1903 – Newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer donated $1 million to Columbia University to establish a journalism school. His plans also provided for the creation of the Pulitzer Prizes.
1915 – Charles F. Kettering received a patent for his electric ignition device.
1939 – The movie “Wizard of Oz” premiered in New York, NY. It had premiered in Hollywood, CA on August 15.
1945 – The George Orwell novel “Animal Farm” was first published. The book used farm animals to represent the events of the 1917 Russian Revolution.
1970 – Venera 7 launched. It would later become the first spacecraft to successfully transmit data from the surface of another planet (Venus).
1978 – The Double Eagle II became the first balloon to cross the Atlantic Ocean when it landed near Paris, France, 137 hours after leaving Presque Isle, ME.
1982 – The world’s first commercial compact discs began being manufactured at a Philips/PolyGram factory in West Germany.
1982 – The United States Senate passed an immigration bill that granted permanent resident status to any immigrants without papers who had arrived in the U.S. prior to 1977.
1986 – Def Leppard drummer, Rick Allen, played his first concert after losing his left arm in a car accident.
1987 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 2,700 for the first time.
1996 – Ross Perot was announced to be the Reform Party’s Presidential candidate. It was the party’s first-ever candidate.
1998 – President Bill Clinton admitted to the nation in a taped testimony that he had an “improper physical relationship” with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Later in the day, he admitted before the nation that he “misled people” about the relationship.
1998 – NationsBank and BankAmerica merged to create the largest U.S. bank.
1998 – Carlos Santana received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1999 – The Planet Hollywood restaurant chain, owned in part by Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, announced plans to file for bankruptcy.
2002 – The Charles M. Schulz Museum opened in Santa Rosa, CA.
2008 – Swimmer Michael Phelps became the first person to win eight gold medals in one Olympic Games.
2009 – The A&E TV show, “Hoarders”, premiered.
2015 – Jake Elliott, 20, of Milan, MI, won the World Yo-Yo Contest in Japan. Elliott was originally from Grand Rapids and attended Grandville High School.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 17:
T. J. Anderson – 98 years old (1928) – Composer, conductor, and educator
Margaret Heafield Hamilton – 90 years old (1936) – Computer scientist, systems engineer, and business owner
Boog Powell – 85 years old (1941) – Baseball player
Robert De Niro – 83 years old (1943) – Actor, entrepreneur, director, and producer
Larry Ellison – 82 years old (1944) – Businessman, co-founded the Oracle Corporation
Martha Coolidge – 80 years old (1946) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Gary Talley – 79 years old (1947) – Guitarist, singer-songwriter, and author
Norm Coleman – 77 years old (1949) – Lawyer and politician, 52nd Mayor of St. Paul
Eric Johnson – 72 years old (1954) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer
Gail Berman – 70 years old (1956) – Businessman, co-founded BermanBraun
Ken Kwapis – 69 years old (1957) – Director and screenwriter
Laurence Overmire – 69 years old (1957) – Poet, author, and actor
Belinda Carlisle – 68 years old (1958) – Singer-songwriter
Jonathan Franzen – 67 years old (1959) – Novelist and essayist
Eric Schlosser – 67 years old (1959) – Journalist and author
Sean Penn – 66 years old (1960) – Actor, director, and political activist
Gilby Clarke – 64 years old (1962) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer
Dan Dakich – 64 years old (1962) – Basketball player, coach, and sportscaster
Jon Gruden – 63 years old (1963) – Football player, coach, and sportscaster
Maria McKee – 62 years old (1964) – Singer-songwriter
Steve Gorman – 61 years old (1965) – Drummer
Dottie Pepper – 61 years old (1965) – Golfer
Rodney Mullen – 60 years old (1966) – Skateboarder and stuntman
David Conrad – 59 years old (1967) – Actor
Ed McCaffrey – 58 years old (1968) – Football player and sportscaster
Christian Laettner – 57 years old (1969) – Basketball player and coach
Kelvin Mercer – 57 years old (1969) – Rapper, songwriter and producer
Donnie Wahlberg – 57 years old (1969) – Singer-songwriter, actor and producer
Jim Courier – 56 years old (1970) – Tennis player and sportscaster
Jorge Posada – 55 years old (1971) – Puerto Rican-American baseball player
Giuliana Rancic – 52 years old (1974) – Italian-American journalist and television personality
Antwaan Randle El – 47 years old (1979) – Football player and journalist
Cheerleader Melissa – 44 years old (1982) – Wrestler and manager
Dustin Pedroia – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player
Dee Brown – 42 years old (1984) – Basketball player
Garrett Wolfe – 42 years old (1984) – Football player
Rudy Gay – 40 years old (1986) – Basketball player
Tyrus Thomas – 40 years old (1986) – Basketball player
Brady Corbet – 38 years old (1988) – Actor and director
Joyner Lucas – 38 years old (1988) – Rapper
Lil B – 37 years old (1989) – Rapper
Austin Butler – 35 years old (1991) – Actor
Phoebe Bridgers – 32 years old (1994) – Singer/songwriter
Jack Conklin – 32 years old (1994) – Football player
Taissa Farmiga – 32 years old (1994) – Actress
Gracie Gold – 31 years old (1995) – Figure skater
Lil Pump – 26 years old (2000) – Rapper and songwriter
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR AUGUST 17:
- National Thrift Shop Day: Recycle your wardrobe by donating clothes and stuff you don’t use or wear, and buying some new (used) ones at a thrift shop for some cheap, sustainable shopping.
- National Black Cat Appreciation Day: Honor the enigmatic felines of midnight hue, acknowledging their mystique and the profound symbolism they've carried through cultures and time.
- National Nonprofit Day: National Nonprofit Day recognizes the incredible work done by charitable organizations. These groups play a vital role in improving lives and supporting communities. Every day, nonprofits help people, protect the environment, and advocate for important causes. This day shines a spotlight on their impact, encouraging everyone to appreciate their efforts...
- Baby Boomers Recognition Day: Baby Boomers Recognition Day is a time dedicated to honoring the immense contributions of the Baby Boomer generation. This special day celebrates a group of people who have witnessed and shaped pivotal changes in our world. From technological advancements to cultural revolutions, Baby Boomers have played a vital role in...
- National Vanilla Custard Day: Milk, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, salt, butter, and of course, vanilla: that’s all you need to make your own creamy, sweet, delicious vanilla custard.
- Bullying No Way Week: Bullying No Way Week unites Australian schools, students, and families in tackling bullying together. This annual event urges young people to recognize bullying, understand its effects, and learn how to act against it. How to Observe Bullying No Way Week Here are some creative ways to observe Bullying No Way Week. These...
- National I Love My Feet Day: Most people don’t think twice about their feet—until something hurts. National I Love My Feet Day flips that idea around. It invites everyone to slow down and appreciate the body parts that carry us through life. Feet work hard, day in and day out, whether we’re walking, running, or just...
- National Massachusetts Day: National Massachusetts Day celebrates the rich heritage of the Bay State. This special day honors Massachusetts' significant role in shaping American history and culture. From the landing of the Mayflower to the birth of the American Revolution, Massachusetts has been at the forefront of pivotal events. Its contributions to education...
- Nag Panchami: Nag Panchami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the serpent deities known as Nagas. On this day, people offer prayers and milk to these deities, seeking protection and blessings. Serpents, particularly cobras, hold a symbolic place in Hinduism as guardians of treasures and natural elements. The festival represents harmony between...
- Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
- National Science Week: Science lovers have a very special week to look forward to every year—National Science Week. It is an exciting annual event that celebrates the wonders of science and technology. This week-long celebration aims to inspire people of all ages to engage with science through various activities and events. It's a...
- Sarajevo Film Festival: The Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) is Southeast Europe's largest and most vibrant film event. Each year, it transforms the city into a lively hub, drawing filmmakers, actors, and movie enthusiasts from around the globe. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, the festival offers a space where local and international cinema...
- Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...
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