What Happened on January 17
Important Events
- 1773 Captain James Cook becomes 1st to cross Antarctic Circle (66° 33' S)
- 1873 A group of Modoc warriors defeats the United States Army in the First Battle of the Stronghold, a part of the Modoc War
- 1912 Captain Robert Scott's expedition arrives at the South Pole, one month after Roald Amundsen
- 1946 United Nations Security Council holds its 1st meeting
- 1991 Operation Desert Storm begins, with US-led coalition forces bombing Iraq, during the Gulf War
January 17 in Film & TV
- 1984 Supreme Court rules (5-4) that private use of home VCRs to tape TV programs for later viewing does not violate federal copyright laws
January 17 in Music
- 1976 "I Write the Songs" by Barry Manilow hits #1
January 17 in Sport
- 1916 Rodman Wanamaker organises a lunch to discuss forming a golfers association (later the PGA) at the Taplow Club, Martinique Hotel, New York City
Did You Know?
First day of prohibition of alcohol comes into effect in the US as a result of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution
On January 17, 1920
Famous Birthdays
Benjamin Franklin
(1706 - 1790)- David Beatty
(1871 - 1936) - Arnold Rothstein
(1882 - 1928) - Al Capone
(1899 - 1947) - Betty White
97 Years Old - Muhammad Ali
(1942 - 2016)
Benjamin Franklin
David Beatty
Arnold Rothstein
Al Capone
Betty White
Muhammad AliWould You Believe?
Doomsday Clock set to five minutes to midnight in response to North Korea's 1st nuclear test
On January 17, 2007
Famous Weddings
Famous Divorces
- 1990 NFL coach Jimmy Johnson (46) divorces Linda Kay Cooper after 26 years of marriage
George Bancroft
Rutherford B. Hayes
Juliette Gordon Low
T. H. White
Bobby FischerJanuary in History
British Museum Opens its Doors
The British Museum opened to visitors on January 15, 1759. Fearing damage to the collections by unruly hordes, nobody was admitted without a ticket.
January 15, 1759Designer Throws His Hat Into the Ring; Creates a Sensation
The first time a man stepped out in London wearing a topper it caused a sensation, then a court case. Who now could imagine Fred Astaire without his famous top hat?
January 15, 1797Squaring Up for Radio Commentary
This was the day when the BBC broadcast live sports commentary for the first time and introduced a novel way of involving listeners in the action.
January 15, 1927The British: 139. Zulu Warriors: 4,000. Let Battle Begin
It was one of the most remarkable military engagements ever: the day that 139 British soldiers took on 4,000 Zulu warriors – and won.
January 22, 1879
