Fact 1: Pioneer of Human Flight
On April 17, 1909, Wilbur Wright makes his first flight over Pau, France, showcasing the marvels of aerial technology he has developed with his brother, the Wright Brothers are a renowned name for their pioneering contribution to human flight.
Fact 2: A Day for Grains
April 17 is also celebrated as National Cheeseball Day in the United States. It's a fun and quirky unofficial holiday that pays tribute to the snackable delight that is the cheeseball.
Fact 3: Historic Declaration
On this day in 1793, the Bank of England issued the first £5 note. Today, it is a significant part of UK’s economy depicting significant British cultural figures.
Fact 4: Turns in Rome’s Leadership
April 17 has been a significant day in Roman history. In 69 AD, after a prolonged period of conflict, Lucius Vitellius was recognized as emperor by the senate.
Fact 5: Unforgettable Baseball Match
One of MLB's most unforgettable games occurred on April 17, 1952. The game between the New York Giants and the Boston Braves extended for 15 innings, ending in a 1-1 tie.
Fact 6: Musical Milestones
April 17 is a significant date in the music world. In 1964, The Rolling Stones released their debut album in the UK. It marked the arrival of one of the most famous and influential rock bands ever.
Fact 7: Tragic Disaster Day
This day in history is marked as one of the tragic days due to an unfortunate event. On April 17, 2013, an ammonium nitrate explosion occurred at the West Fertilizer Company storage and distribution facility in West, Texas, leading to 15 deaths and significant property damage.
Fact 8: Famous Birthdays
Several famous personalities were born on April 17, including actress Jennifer Garner and British football star David Moyes. It highlights how individuals born on this day have marked their territories in diversified fields, making this day special.
Fact 9: Titanic Lecture
In 1912, having survived the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, second officer Charles Lightoller is astoundingly able to deliver his first lecture in London on April 17.
Fact 10: Animal Protection Acts
The Endangered Species Act was signed into law in the United States on April 17, 1973, marking a significant milestone for environmental conservation and animal protection.
Fact 11: Apollo 13 Successful Return
On April 17, 1970, the Apollo 13 command module splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after an onboard explosion derailed the moon mission. The courage and ingenuity of the crew and ground support led to a successful return.
Fact 12: British Monarchy Wedding
April 17, 1956, marks the wedding of American actress Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier of Monaco, a significant event in the British Monarchy history.
Fact 13: Jeep’s Birthday
Jeep, one of the oldest sports utility brands, marks April 17 as its birthday. The first ever Jeep prototype was driven through the streets of Washington D.C on this day, 1941.
Fact 14: Eruption of Mount Pelee
April 17, 1902, witnessed the first signs of activity at Mount Pelee in Martinique, which signalled the start of the destructive volcanic eruption sequence that devastated Saint Pierre.
Fact 15: Microsoft Litigation
April 17, 2000, marked an unforgettable day in tech history. US District Court Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson ruled that Microsoft violated the Sherman Antitrust Act.
Fact 16: Magic Johnson’s Comeback
Magic Johnson made a triumphant return to the NBA on April 17, 1996, despite having retired five years prior due to an HIV diagnosis.
Fact 17: Presidential Dedication
President Franklin Roosevelt dedicates the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. on April 17, 1943, cementing it as a national landmark.
Fact 18: A Historic Arrival
On April 17, 1994, the first ever spacecraft to orbit the moon – Clementine completes mapping of the moon’s surface.
Fact 19: Opening of the First Long Bridge
April 17, 1864, marks the opening of the longest bridge in the world at that time. The River Jiu bridge in Romania was a spectacle of engineering and architecture.
Fact 20: First Woman in Space
On April 17, 1966, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the second person and first woman to orbit the Earth twice, reinforcing the USSR's reputation as a space-based superpower.