Major Historical Events on May 17- Today in History

Today, we reflect on the major historical events that have taken place on May 17th. From cultural shifts to scientific breakthroughs, this date has a storied past.

The Death of Sandro Botticelli – 1510 AD

Italian artist Sandro Botticelli, renowned as one of the greatest painters of the Florentine Renaissance, passed away.

William III Declares War on France – 1689 AD

English King William III declared war on France in support of the Dutch Republic, marking the beginning of the Nine Years’ War.

Formation of the New York Stock Exchange – 1792 AD

In a pivotal meeting on what is now Wall Street in New York City, 24 businessmen laid the groundwork for what would become the New York Stock Exchange.

First Color Photograph Unveiled – 1861 AD

Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell showcased the first color photograph to the Royal Institution in London. The historic image featured a tartan ribbon, marking a significant milestone in the field of photography and the study of color.

Birth of Composer Erik Satie – 1866 AD

French composer Erik Satie, known for his minimalist, unconventional, and often witty style that significantly influenced 20th-century music, was born in Honfleur.

The Inaugural Kentucky Derby – 1875 AD

The first Kentucky Derby took place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, with Aristides emerging as the winning horse.

Publication of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – 1900 AD

L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was first published, eventually becoming a classic of children’s literature; its 1939 film adaptation is one of the most cherished movies in American cinema.

Birth of Birgit Nilsson – 1918 AD

Swedish operatic soprano Birgit Nilsson, celebrated for her powerful and rich voice as a Wagnerian interpreter, was born in Västra Karup.

First Televised Sporting Event in the U.S. – 1939 AD

NBC aired the first televised sporting event in the United States, featuring a collegiate baseball game between Princeton and Columbia.

Landmark Ruling in Brown v. Board of Education – 1954 AD

On this day in 1954, lawyer Thurgood Marshall achieved a historic victory when the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

Signing of Megan’s Law – 1996 AD

U.S. President Bill Clinton signed Megan’s Law, mandating that law-enforcement officials inform local schools, day-care centers, and residents about the presence of registered sex offenders in their communities.

Massachusetts Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage – 2004 AD

Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage, beginning to issue marriage licenses to gay couples.

Also Read: Major Historical Events on May 16- Today in History