Also on This Day in History December 17
Discover what happened on December 17 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.
Births on This Day, December 17
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1937
Kerry Packer
Australian businessman who founded World Series Cricket
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1913
Burt Baskin
American businessman who co-founded Baskin-Robbins
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1778
Humphry Davy
English chemist, invented the Davy lamp
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1797
Joseph Henry
American inventor and pioneer of electromagnetism
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1908
Willard Frank Libby
American chemist who developed radiocarbon dating, Nobel 1960
Deaths on This Day, December 17
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1998
Alfred Wolf
American nuclear and organic chemist
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1973
Charles Greeley Abbot
American astronomer (Solar Constant)
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1964
Victor Francis Hess
Austrian-American physicist who won Nobel Prize for Physics in 1936 for his discovery of cosmic rays
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1907
Baron William Thomson Kelvin
Irish-Scottish mathematical physicist (Kelvin Scale) and engineer (transatlantic telegraph)
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1892
George Brayton
American engineer who invented the first commercial gas internal combustion engine
1790
Aztec Calendar Stone Discovered at El Zócalo, Mexico City
On December 17, 1790, the Aztec Calendar Stone (also known as the Sun Stone) was discovered buried at the main square, El Zócalo, in Mexico City during renovations of the Mexico City Cathedral. This monumental stone artifact, weighing over 24 tons, is an iconic symbol of Aztec civilization and their advanced astronomical knowledge.
1903
Wright Brothers Made First Controlled Powered Air Flight
On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright successfully conducted the first controlled powered air flight in their aircraft, the Wright Flyer, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This historic event marked a significant milestone in aviation history, demonstrating the feasibility of powered flight and pioneering the development of modern aircraft.
1880
Edison Electric Illuminating Company Incorporated
On December 17, 1880, the Edison Electric Illuminating Company of New York was incorporated for the purpose of providing electric light to New York City. Founded by Thomas Edison, this marked a pivotal moment in the history of electric power distribution and urban electrification.
1892
First Issue of Vogue Published
On December 17, 1892, the first issue of Vogue, an American monthly fashion and lifestyle magazine, was published. Founded by Arthur Turnure, Vogue quickly became a leading publication in the fashion industry, known for its influence on style trends, haute couture, and cultural sophistication.