Fact 1: It's Benjamin Franklin's Birthday
January 17 marks the birthday of one of the founding fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin. Born in 1706, he significantly influenced American history with his numerous achievements. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, among other things, and his wit and wisdom still live on today in his famous quotes.
Fact 2: Feast Of Saint Anthony The Great
Every year on January 17, the Christian world commemorates the Feast of Saint Anthony the Great. He is known as the "father of all monks," having established the principles of Christian monasticism that are still followed today.
Fact 3: The Day That Brought A New Country In 1991
On January 17, 1991, the Congress of the People's Deputies of the Republic declared Estonia's independence restored. It marked the beginning of a new country’s journey towards freedom and democracy.
Fact 4: Operation Desert Storm Began
On this same day in 1991, Operation Desert Storm began in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, marking a significant event in modern military history. U.S. and coalition forces launched a massive air offensive to target Iraq's forces and infrastructure.
Fact 5: National Bootlegger's Day
In the United States, January 17 is celebrated as National Bootlegger's Day. This date was selected in honor of the birthdays of Al Capone and Templeton Rye Whiskey, both associated with the notorious Prohibition-era of the 1920s.
Fact 6: The Prohibition Era Begin
Coincidentally, it is also on January 17, 1920, that the Prohibition era begun in the U.S following the 18th Amendment's implementation, which criminalized the sale, production, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.
Fact 7: The Birth Of The Legend, Muhammad Ali
The legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was born on this day in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. Nicknamed 'The Greatest,' Ali remains one of the most celebrated and significant sports figures of the 20th century.
Fact 8: The Day Popeye Was Born
On January 17, 1929, comic readers met Popeye, the sailor man, for the first time when he was introduced in the Thimble Theatre comic strip. This spinach-loving sailor quickly gained popularity, becoming a cultural icon.
Fact 9: The First Flight Over Antarctica
This date, in the year 1929, marks the successful completion of the first overflight above Antarctica. It took place on a Ford Trimotor airplane named the Floyd Bennett.
Fact 10: The Month of Janus
January is named after the Roman god Janus, known as the god of beginnings, endings, transitions, and time. Janus has two heads, one looking forward and the other looking backward, perfectly embodying the transition from one year to the next.
Fact 11: No Other Day is Further From Any U.S. Federal Holiday
January 17 sits right in the middle of the most extended stretch in the calendar without a public holiday in the United States. It is believed to be the most depressing day of the year because of this reason.
Fact 12: National Hot Buttered Rum Day
In the United States, January 17 is also celebrated as National Hot Buttered Rum Day. This traditional mixed drink has been warming people up for centuries, especially in the coldest months of winter.
Fact 13: The Launch Of The First ‘Personal Computer’
On this day in 1982, the Commodore 64, which is often credited as the first 'personal computer,' was launched at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Fact 14: Beginning Of The First English Civil War
January 17, 1642, marks the start of the first English Civil War. Tensions over religious and political issues led to a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians (known as 'Roundheads') and Royalists (known as 'Cavaliers').
Fact 15: Kid Inventor's Day
Every year on January 17, Kid Inventor's Day is celebrated. It encourages children's creativity and promotes the innovative achievements of young minds in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Fact 16: International Day of Italian Cuisines
January 17 also celebrates the International Day of Italian Cuisines. Devoted to promoting Italian food, culinary traditions, and culture, it's the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite Italian dish.
Fact 17: The Birth of Al Capone
On this day in 1899, the notorious gangster, Al Capone, famous for his unlawful footprint on American history throughout the Prohibition Era, was born in Brooklyn, New York.
Fact 18: Patton's Speech to the Third Army
January 17, 1945, marks the day that General George S. Patton delivered his famous speech to the American Third Army. The content exhorted his soldiers to fight ruthlessly and without fear.
Fact 19: A Memorable Day for Space Travels
In 1997, on January 17, the United States launched Delta 2 Star 2, marking a memorable day in the history of space travels. The mission aimed to gather data about the global climate system.
Fact 20: Cable Car Day
Finally, we cannot forget that January 17 is also National Cable Car Day. Why? Because on this day in 1871, Andrew Hallidie received the patent for the cable car system, a celebrated historical event particularly in San Francisco.