October 17 is the 290th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 75 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about October 17th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about October 17th in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- World Trauma Day
- Spreadsheet Day
- International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
- Wear Something Gaudy Day
- National Playing Card Collection Day
- National Mulligan Day
- World Toy Camera Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – October 17
1989: Loma Prieta Earthquake Rocks California
Santa Cruz County was the most affected by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake. About 60 people died as a result of falling buildings and landslides. It was the first major earthquake on the San Andreas fault since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
1973: OPEC Declares Oil Embargo
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries or OPEC led by Arab countries declared an oil embargo on any country that supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War, which was fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states. The embargo led to a massive oil shortage and had long-lasting economic effects in the United States and Europe. The embargo was lifted in March 1974.
1968: Black Power Salute at the Olympics
1956: Bobby Fischer Wins the Game of the Century
The chess match between 13-year old Fischer and Donald Byrne took place at the Marshall Chess Club in New York City.
1931: Al Capone is found guilty of income tax evasion
1907: The first commercial wireless telegraph is sent over the Atlantic Ocean
1861: Cullin-la-Ringo Massacre
In what is thought to be the largest massacre of white settlers by Australian aborigines, the killings occurred after a group of settlers from Victoria led by politician Horatio Wills, set up a camp at Cullin-la-Ringo, which is located in present-day Central Queensland. 19 people were killed during the massacre.
1814: London Beer Flood
Vats of beer at the Meux and Company Brewery burst, flooding city streets with 610,000 liters of beer. The almost 15 feet tall wave of porter killed 8 people, some of whom were gathered for a funeral.
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, October 17
1979: Kimi Räikkönen, Finnish race car driver
1972: Eminem, American rapper, producer, actor
1918: Rita Hayworth, American actress, dancer
1912: Pope John Paul I
1817: Syed Ahmad Khan, Indian educator, politician
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, October 17
1967: Puyi, Emperor of China
1965: Bart King, American cricketer
1937: J. Bruce Ismay, English businessman
1868: Laura Secord, Canadian war heroine
1849: Frédéric Chopin, Polish pianist, composer
