What Happened on February 17?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON FEBRUARY 17
Explore the most important historical events that happened on February 17, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
Columbia, South Carolina
Year:
1865
American Civil War: Columbia, South Carolina, is burned as Confederate forces flee from advancing Union forces.
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American Civil War
Year:
1864
American Civil War: The H. L. Hunley becomes the first submarine to engage and sink a warship, the USS Housatonic.
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Geneva
Year:
1863
A group of citizens of Geneva found an International Committee for Relief to the Wounded, which later became known as the International Committee of the Red Cross.
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Cochinchina campaign
Year:
1859
Cochinchina Campaign: The French Navy captures the Citadel of Saigon, a fortress manned by 1,000 Nguyễn dynasty soldiers, en route to conquering Saigon and other regions of southern Viet Nam.
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Russian Revolution of 1905
Year:
1905
Russian Revolution of 1905: Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia is assassinated in the Moscow Kremlin by Socialist Revolutionary Ivan Kalyayev.
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Armory Show
Year:
1913
The Armory Show opens in New York City, displaying works of artists who are to become some of the most influential painters of the early 20th century.
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February 2016 Ankara bombing
Year:
2016
Military vehicles explode outside a Turkish Armed Forces barracks in Ankara, Turkey, killing at least 29 people and injuring 61 others.
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World War II
Year:
1944
World War II: The Battle of Eniwetok begins. The battle ends in an American victory on February 22.
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BIRTHS ON FEBRUARY 17
Discover famous people and historical figures born on February 17, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Annie Glenn
Year of birth:
1920
Annie Glenn, American disability and communication disorder advocate (died 2020)
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Curt Swan
Year of birth:
1920
Curt Swan, American illustrator (died 1996)
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Kathleen Freeman
Year of birth:
1919
Kathleen Freeman, American actress and singer (died 2001)
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Joe Hunt
Year of birth:
1919
Joe Hunt, American tennis player (died 1945)
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Ivo Caprino
Year of birth:
1920
Ivo Caprino, Norwegian director and screenwriter (died 2001)
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Duane Gish
Year of birth:
1921
Duane Gish, American biochemist and academic (died 2013)
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Margaret Truman
Year of birth:
1924
Margaret Truman, American singer and author (died 2008)
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Buddy DeFranco
Year of birth:
1923
Buddy DeFranco, American clarinet player and bandleader (died 2014)
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DEATHS ON FEBRUARY 17
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on February 17, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Oskar Merikanto
Year of death:
1924
Oskar Merikanto, Finnish composer (born 1868)
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Siegbert Tarrasch
Year of death:
1934
Siegbert Tarrasch, German chess player and theoretician (born 1862)
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Albert I of Belgium
Year of death:
1934
Albert I of Belgium (born 1875)
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Willy Hess (violinist)
Year of death:
1939
Willy Hess, German violinist and educator (born 1859)
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Wilfrid Laurier
Year of death:
1919
Wilfrid Laurier, Canadian lawyer and politician, 7th Prime Minister of Canada (born 1841)
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Edgar Evans
Year of death:
1912
Edgar Evans, Welsh sailor and explorer (born 1876)
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Christopher Latham Sholes
Year of death:
1890
Christopher Latham Sholes, American publisher and politician (born 1819)
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William Bickerton
Year of death:
1905
William Bickerton, English-American religious leader, leader in the Latter Day Saint movement (born 1815)
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HOLIDAYS ON FEBRUARY 17
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on February 17 around the world.
Kosovo Independence Day
Independence Day, celebrates the independence declaration of Kosovo in 2008, still partially recognized.
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February 17 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast day: February 17 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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Janani Luwum
Christian feast day: Janani Luwum (Anglican Communion)
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Donatus, Romulus, Secundian, and 86 Companions
Christian feast day: Donatus, Romulus, Secundian, and Companions
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Constabilis
Christian feast day: Constabilis
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Public holidays in Libya
Revolution Day (Libya)
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Lommán of Trim
Christian feast day: Lommán of Trim
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Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
Christian feast day: Seven Founders of the Servite Order Alexis Falconieri
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