What Happened on May 17?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON MAY 17
Explore the most important historical events that happened on May 17, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
American Civil War
Year:
1863
American Civil War: During the Vicksburg campaign, Union forces under John A. McClernand defeat a Confederate rearguard and capture around 1,700 men at the Battle of Big Black River Bridge.
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Rosalía de Castro
Year:
1863
Rosalía de Castro publishes Cantares Gallegos, the first book in the Galician language.
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Melbourne Football Club
Year:
1859
Members of the Melbourne Football Club codified the first rules of Australian rules football.
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Military occupation
Year:
1814
Occupation of Monaco changes from French to Austrian.
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Constitution of Norway
Year:
1814
The Constitution of Norway is signed and Crown Prince Christian Frederick of Denmark is elected King of Norway by the Norwegian Constituent Assembly.
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International Telecommunication Union
Year:
1865
The International Telegraph Union (later the International Telecommunication Union) is established in Paris.
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Aristides (horse)
Year:
1875
Aristides wins the first Kentucky Derby with the jockey Oliver Lewis (2:37.75).
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Vidkun Quisling
Year:
1933
Vidkun Quisling and Johan Bernhard Hjort form Nasjonal Samling — the national-socialist party of Norway.
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BIRTHS ON MAY 17
Discover famous people and historical figures born on May 17, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Yelena Gorchakova
Year of birth:
1933
Yelena Gorchakova, Russian javelin thrower (died 2002)
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Ronald Wayne
Year of birth:
1934
Ronald Wayne, American computer scientist, co-founded Apple Computer
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Peter Burge (cricketer)
Year of birth:
1932
Peter Burge, Australian cricketer (died 2001)
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Ozzie Virgil Sr.
Year of birth:
1932
Ozzie Virgil Sr., Dominican baseball player and coach (died 2024)
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Marshall Applewhite
Year of birth:
1931
Marshall Applewhite, American cult leader, founded Heaven's Gate (died 1997)
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Earl Morrall
Year of birth:
1934
Earl Morrall, American football player and coach (died 2014)
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Dennis Potter
Year of birth:
1935
Dennis Potter, English voice actor, director, producer, and screenwriter (died 1994)
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Marcia Freedman
Year of birth:
1938
Marcia Freedman, Israeli activist (died 2021)
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DEATHS ON MAY 17
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on May 17, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Asa Packer
Year of death:
1879
Asa Packer, American businessman, founded Lehigh University (born 1805)
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John C. Breckinridge
Year of death:
1875
John C. Breckinridge, American lawyer and politician, 14th Vice President of the United States, Confederate States general (born 1821)
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Ziya Pasha
Year of death:
1880
Ziya Pasha, Greek author and translator (born 1826)
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John Deere (inventor)
Year of death:
1886
John Deere, American blacksmith and businessman, founded the Deere & Company (born 1804)
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Giacomo Zanella
Year of death:
1888
Giacomo Zanella, Italian priest and poet (born 1820)
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Kondō Isami
Year of death:
1868
Kondō Isami, Japanese commander (born 1834)
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Archibald Alison (author)
Year of death:
1839
Archibald Alison, Scottish priest and author (born 1757)
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Armand Emmanuel de Vignerot du Plessis, 5th Duke of Richelieu
Year of death:
1822
Armand-Emmanuel de Vignerot du Plessis, Duc de Richelieu, French general and politician, 2nd Prime Minister of France (born 1766)
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HOLIDAYS ON MAY 17
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on May 17 around the world.
Constitution Day (Norway)
Constitution Day (Norway)
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Public holidays in Malaysia
Birthday of the Raja (Perlis)
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World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (International)
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Galician Literature Day
Galician Literature Day or Día das Letras Galegas (Galicia)
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Liberation Day
Liberation Day (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
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Navy Day
Navy Day (Argentina)
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Children's Day
Children's Day (Norway)
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Giulia Salzano
Christian feast day: Giulia Salzano
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