All Events

Historical Events on August 17

  • Roman Catholic Church

    1560

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

  • Vietnam

    1798

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

  • American Civil War

    1862

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

  • Dominican Republic

    1883

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

  • World War I

    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.

  • United States Marine Corps

    1942

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

  • Royal Air Force

    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.

  • Israeli settlement

    2005

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

  • Michael Phelps

    2008

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

All Births

Famous Birthdays on August 17

All Deaths

Famous Deaths on August 17

16. August

18. August