August 17 in History

Historical Events on August 17

1560 The Roman Catholic Church is overthrown and Protestantism is established as the national religion in Scotland.

1798 The Vietnamese Roman Catholics report a Marian apparition in Quảng Trị, an event which is called Our Lady of La Vang.

1862 American Civil War: Major General J. E. B. Stuart is assigned command of all the cavalry of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.

1883 The first public performance of the Dominican Republic's national anthem, Himno Nacional.

1914 World War I: Battle of Stallupönen: The German army of General Hermann von François defeats the Russian force commanded by Paul von Rennenkampf near modern-day Nesterov, Russia.

1942 World War II: U.S. Marines raid the Japanese-held Pacific island of Makin.

1943 World War II: The Royal Air Force begins Operation Hydra, the first air raid of the Operation Crossbow strategic bombing campaign against Germany's V-weapon program.

2005 The first forced evacuation of settlers, as part of Israeli disengagement from Gaza, starts.

2008 American swimmer Michael Phelps becomes the first person to win eight gold medals at one Olympic Games.

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Famous Birthdays on August 17

1887 Marcus Garvey

1943 Robert De Niro

1977 Thierry Henry

1992 Paige (wrestler)

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Famous Deaths on August 17

1786 Frederick the Great

1850 José de San Martín

1987 Rudolf Hess

1988 Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq

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