797
Politics
First woman to rule Byzantium alone
Irene became sole ruler of Byzantium on 17 August 797, becoming the first woman to hold the empire in her own right.
View detailsThis Day
17August
23 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1801
Literature
Birth of Fredrika Bremer
Fredrika Bremer was born on August 17, 1801, in Tuorla, Finland.
View details1805
Exploration
Interprets with Shoshone and brother Cameahwait to obtain horses
Sacagawea facilitated crucial negotiations with the Shoshone for horses and guides, pivotal for the expedition.
View details1875
Science
Final two patents: spindle bearing surfaces close a 23-patent career (US 166,885–886)
Murfey's last verified patents applied her bearing materials to textile spindles, bringing her total to 23 patents plus one reissue since 1870.
View details1893
1908
Literature
Birth of Bronisława Wajs (Papusza)
Bronisława Wajs, later known by her Romani name Papusza, was born on 17 August 1908 into a nomadic Polish Roma family.
View details1911
Aviation
F.A.I. Pilot’s Certificate #44
Moisant's F.A.I. Airplane Pilot’s Certificate no. 44 dated by Aero Club.
View details1914
Science
First woman journalist on the Eastern Front
Bly becomes the first woman journalist to report from WWI's Eastern Front.
View details1916
Activism
Birth of Winson Hudson in Harmony, Mississippi
Winson Hudson was born on August 17, 1916, in the Harmony community of Leake County, Mississippi.
View details1935
Literature
Death of Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Charlotte Perkins Gilman passed away on August 17, 1935, in Pasadena, California.
View details1936
Science
Birth of Margaret Hamilton
Margaret Hamilton was born on August 17, 1936, in Paoli, Indiana.
View details1943
Politics
First First Lady to visit an active war zone
Eleanor Roosevelt departs on a month-long trip to the Pacific warfront, visiting Guadalcanal and becoming the first First Lady to visit an active war zone.
View details1950
Arts
First recording session for Falcon Records
Lydia Mendoza began recording with the influential Falcon Records, enhancing her impact on Tejano music.
View details1953
1957
Science
Death of Alice Stebbins Wells
Alice Stebbins Wells died on August 17, 1957, leaving behind a transformative legacy in American law enforcement.
View details1974
Sports
Second U.S. Girls' Junior Championship Victory
Lopez wins second U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
View details1990
Arts
Death of Pearl Bailey in Philadelphia
Pearl Bailey died of heart disease on August 17, 1990, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 72.
View details1993
Exploration
Petit Dru north face solo (Allain route)
Soloed the north face of the Petit Dru via the Allain route.
View details2001
Politics
Quaker Oats Acquisition Announced
Quaker Oats acquisition was announced on August 17, 2001, a strategic win for PepsiCo under Nooyi.
View details2004
Literature
Death of Thea Astley at Byron Bay, New South Wales
Thea Astley died on 17 August 2004 at her home near Byron Bay, New South Wales, shortly after completing her final novel.
View details2011
Arts
First female artist with five No. 1 singles from one album
"Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" hit No. 1, making Perry the first woman with five Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers from one album.
View details2016
Politics
First major foreign visit to China as national leader
Suu Kyi makes her first major official foreign visit as national leader, traveling to China.
View details2017
Science
Publication of application on production and isolation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
U.S. patent application 20170233363 on producing and isolating 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, naming Catia Bastioli, was published.
View details