What happened on February 17

51 documented historical events happened on February 17, from antiquity to the present day. The best known is this: Myles Standish was elected the first commander of the militia of Plymouth Colony. On the same day, in another year: The United States ratifies the Treaty of Ghent – signed in late 1814 – formally ending the War of 1812. On Almanaccolo every event is listed in chronological order, grouped by century, and links to the Wikipedia article it comes from, so you can always read further or check the source. Alongside the events you find who was born and who died on this date, and which observances are celebrated around the world.

160 people with a Wikipedia article were born on February 17, including Édouard Thilges, Henri Vieuxtemps, Lola Montez. The list spans every era and every field — art, science, politics, sport, entertainment — ordered by year of birth, from the earliest to the most recent. The six featured people are those most has been written about: the ordering uses the length of their Wikipedia article as an indicator of prominence. For each one you find their occupation, year of birth and a link to the full biography.

98 people with a Wikipedia article died on February 17, including Jovian (emperor), Mesrop Mashtots, Evermode of Ratzeburg. The list is in chronological order by year of death and spans all of documented history, from antiquity to the present day. For each person you find their occupation, the year and a link to the Wikipedia biography, where the full story and its sources can be read.

11 observances are celebrated on February 17 around the world: Christian feast day: Seven Founders of the Servite Order Alexis Falconieri, Christian feast day: Constabilis, Christian feast day: Donatus, Romulus, Secundian, and Companions, Christian feast day: Evermode of Ratzeburg, Christian feast day: Fintan of Clonenagh, Christian feast day: Janani Luwum (Anglican Communion). The list gathers national holidays, international days and religious or civil observances falling on this date in different countries, as recorded on Wikipedia. Some are fixed and recur on the same day every year; others depend on the local calendar. Each links to the article explaining its origin and meaning.