What Happened on November 17?

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events
births
deaths
holidays

EVENTS ON NOVEMBER 17

Explore the most important historical events that happened on November 17, featuring key moments that shaped the world.

American Civil War
American Civil War
Year: 1863
American Civil War: Siege of Knoxville begins: During the Knoxville campaign, Confederate forces under General James Longstreet besiege the city of Knoxville, Tennessee and its Union defenders led by General Ambrose Burnside.
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Egypt
Egypt
Year: 1869
In Egypt, the Suez Canal, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea, is inaugurated.
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Denver
Denver
Year: 1858
The city of Denver, Colorado is founded.
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American frontier
American frontier
Year: 1856
American Old West: On the Sonoita River in present-day southern Arizona, the United States Army establishes Fort Buchanan in order to help control new land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase.
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Ecuador
Ecuador
Year: 1831
Ecuador and Venezuela are separated from Gran Colombia.
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Umberto I of Italy
Umberto I of Italy
Year: 1878
First assassination attempt against Umberto I of Italy by anarchist Giovanni Passannante, who was armed with a dagger. The King survived with a slight wound in an arm. Prime Minister Benedetto Cairoli blocked the aggressor, receiving an injury in a leg.
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Serbo-Bulgarian War
Serbo-Bulgarian War
Year: 1885
Serbo-Bulgarian War: The decisive Battle of Slivnitsa begins.
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Tartu Art Museum
Tartu Art Museum
Year: 1940
The Tartu Art Museum is established in Tartu, Estonia.
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BIRTHS ON NOVEMBER 17

Discover famous people and historical figures born on November 17, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.

Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese
Year of birth: 1942
Martin Scorsese, American director, producer, screenwriter, and actor
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Bob Gaudio
Bob Gaudio
Year of birth: 1942
Bob Gaudio, American singer-songwriter, keyboard player, and producer
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Luke Kelly
Luke Kelly
Year of birth: 1940
Luke Kelly, Irish singer, folk musician and actor (died 1984)
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Auberon Waugh
Auberon Waugh
Year of birth: 1939
Auberon Waugh, English journalist and author (died 2001)
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Charles Guthrie, Baron Guthrie of Craigiebank
Charles Guthrie, Baron Guthrie of Craigiebank
Year of birth: 1938
Charles Guthrie, Baron Guthrie of Craigiebank, Scottish general (died 2025)
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Partha Dasgupta
Partha Dasgupta
Year of birth: 1942
Partha Dasgupta, Bangladeshi economist and academic
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Lauren Hutton
Lauren Hutton
Year of birth: 1943
Lauren Hutton, American model and actress
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Rem Koolhaas
Rem Koolhaas
Year of birth: 1944
Rem Koolhaas, Dutch architect and academic, designed the Seattle Central Library
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DEATHS ON NOVEMBER 17

Look back at notable individuals who passed away on November 17, and learn about their lasting influences on history.

Hugh Price Hughes
Hugh Price Hughes
Year of death: 1902
Hugh Price Hughes, Welsh theologian and educator (born 1847)
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George Hendric Houghton
George Hendric Houghton
Year of death: 1897
George Hendric Houghton, American pastor and theologian (born 1820)
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Adolphe, Grand Duke of Luxembourg
Adolphe, Grand Duke of Luxembourg
Year of death: 1905
Adolphe, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, (born 1817)
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Ralph Johnstone
Ralph Johnstone
Year of death: 1910
Ralph Johnstone, American pilot (born 1886)
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Auguste Rodin
Auguste Rodin
Year of death: 1917
Auguste Rodin, French sculptor and illustrator (born 1840)
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James McCune Smith
James McCune Smith
Year of death: 1865
James McCune Smith, American physician and author (born 1813)
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Carle Vernet
Carle Vernet
Year of death: 1835
Carle Vernet, French painter and lithographer (born 1758)
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Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great
Year of death: 1796
Catherine the Great, of Russia (born 1729)
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HOLIDAYS ON NOVEMBER 17

See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on November 17 around the world.

Hilda of Whitby
Hilda of Whitby
Christian feast days: Hilda of Whitby
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Hugh of Lincoln
Hugh of Lincoln
Christian feast days: Hugh of Lincoln
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November 17 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
November 17 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast days: November 17 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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World Prematurity Day
World Prematurity Day
World Prematurity Day
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Athens Polytechnic uprising
Athens Polytechnic uprising
Athens Polytechnic Uprising Remembrance Day (Greece)
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Gregory Thaumaturgus
Gregory Thaumaturgus
Christian feast days: Gregory Thaumaturgus
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Acisclus
Acisclus
Christian feast days: Acisclus
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Gregory of Tours
Gregory of Tours
Christian feast days: Gregory of Tours (Roman Catholic Church)
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November