May 17 in History
What happened on May 17 in history?
A chronological timetable of historical events that occurred on may 17 in history. Historical facts of the day in the areas of military, politics, science, music, sports, arts, entertainment and more. Discover what happened on may 17 in history.
?>1987
In the Persian Gulf the American guided missile frigate USS Stark is struck by 2 Exocet missiles fired by an Iraqi aircraft; only one detonates, but 37 sailors are killed and 21 are wounded. Whether the launch was deliberate or a mistake is still debated.
1973
The Senate Watergate Committee begins its hearings.
1954
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously rules for school integration in Brown v. Board of Education.
1940
Germany occupies Brussels, Belgium and begins the invasion of France.
1881
Frederick Douglass is appointed recorder of deeds for Washington, D.C.
1875
The first Kentucky Derby is run in Louisville.
1863
Union General Ulysses Grant continues his push towards Vicksburg at the Battle of the Big Black River Bridge.
1814
Denmark cedes Norway to Sweden.
1792
Merchants form the New York Stock Exchange at 70 Wall Street.
1756
Britain declares war on France.
1681
Louis XIV sends an expedition to aid James II in Ireland. As a result, England declares war on France.
1630
Italian Jesuit Niccolo Zucchi sees the belts on Jupiter’s surface.
1540
Afghan chief Sher Khan defeats Mongul Emperor Humayun at Kanauj.