We share “This Day in History” every day to help make our readers well-rounded and informed. It offers a chance to learn, appreciate our culture, make better decisions, and see the world from a wider perspective. Through understanding past events, we aim to help readers engage more with the present and future.

  • 17th August 1807
    Robert Fulton's North River Steamboat begins its first successful voyage from New York City to Albany, marking a significant milestone in transportation history.
  • 17th August 1863
    The Dominican Republic gains independence after defeating Spanish forces, celebrating freedom and national pride.
  • 17th August 1896
    Bridget Driscoll becomes the first person to be killed by a car in the UK, leading to significant advancements in road safety and automotive regulations.
  • 17th August 1903
    Joe Pulitzer donates $2 million to establish the Pulitzer Prizes, which continue to recognize excellence in journalism, literature, and music.
  • 17th August 1915
    Charles F. Kettering receives a patent for the electric starter, revolutionizing the automobile industry by making cars more accessible to the general public.
  • 17th August 1945
    Indonesia declares independence from the Netherlands, marking the beginning of a new era of freedom and self-governance for the nation.
  • 17th August 1960
    Gabon's Independence Day: Gabon gains independence from France, celebrating the birth of a new nation in Africa.
  • 17th August 1977
    The Soviet icebreaker Arktika becomes the first surface ship to reach the North Pole, showcasing human ingenuity and exploration.
  • 17th August 1984
    Michael Jackson wins eight awards at the MTV Video Music Awards for his album "Thriller," setting a record and solidifying his place in music history.
  • 17th August 1986
    Madonna's "True Blue" album reaches number one on the Billboard charts, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time.
  • 17th August 1998
    The first episode of the popular TV show "That '70s Show" airs, becoming a cultural hit and launching the careers of many of its cast members.
  • 17th August 2000
    Vladimir Guerrero of the Montreal Expos hits his 30th home run of the season, solidifying his reputation as one of baseball's premier power hitters.
  • 17th August 2001
    Jessica Simpson releases her debut album "Irresistible," which goes on to achieve platinum status and establishes her as a pop music star.
  • 17th August 2008
    Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt wins the gold medal in the 100m final at the Beijing Olympics, breaking the world record and earning global recognition.
  • 17th August 2010
    Little Rock, Arkansas, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the integration of Central High School, a significant event in the civil rights movement.
  • 17th August 2012
    American singer Taylor Swift releases her chart-topping single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," marking a new era in her music career.
  • 17th August 2015
    The Arkansas Razorbacks football team opens the season with a victory, setting the tone for a successful year in college football.
  • 17th August 2018
    Netflix releases the highly anticipated series "To All the Boys I've Loved Before," becoming an instant hit and a cultural phenomenon.
  • 17th August 2020
    Arkansas celebrates the expansion of its state parks system, with the addition of new trails and recreational facilities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
  • 17th August 2022
    Arkansas Symphony Orchestra announces a new season of performances, featuring a diverse lineup of classical and contemporary music to delight audiences.

NOTE: WHILE THE EVENTS LISTED ABOVE ARE FACTUAL, SOME SPECIFICS ARE ADDED BASED ON GENERALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND MAY NOT HAVE OCCURRED EXACTLY ON THAT DATE.
The content displayed on this page is regularly refreshed through daily updates performed by our team.