On This Day - November 17th
Although November 17th may just be an ordinary day to you, to others, it is an incredibly important occasion. It has serious cultural and historical significance – and while you might not be celebrating it yourself, we have all the reasons why 11/17 is worth remembering right here. Keep reading for some famous birthdays and some insights into your star sign if you’re celebrating today, too!
On this day
Elizabeth I became Queen of England.
In 1558, “Virgin Queen” Elizabeth I ascended the English royal throne following the death of Queen “Bloody” Mary, her half-sister – both were daughters of King Henry VIII. She was only 25 years old at the time.
The US Congress held its first session.
In 1800, Congress held its first-ever session in Washington, D.C. The session was held in the incomplete Capitol Building. Since that time, Congress has met regularly to discuss policy ever since – and has overseen a number of political and societal controversies all the same.
Ecuador and Venezuela were separated.
In 1831, Ecuador and Venezuela were officially separated from Greater Colombia. To this day, the countries have remained separate nations.
The Suez Canal officially opened.
In 1869, the Suez Canal in Egypt officially opened. The canal linked the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. For all the Suez has experienced occasional blockages over the years, it’s estimated that more than 20,000 ships travel through the canal, providing an essential trade route between Europe and Asia.
Douglas Engelbart patented the mouse!
In 1970, Douglas Engelbart received the patent for the very first computer mouse. While you might not think about your Mac or PC mouse too much, it’s a vital component in helping you navigate your files and browsing the web. Many of us use trackpads on laptops these days, too!
Special Days Falling on November 17th
November 17th is just as much a day for celebrations and commemorations as it is for looking back at quirky historical events. With that in mind, here are some of the biggest events taking place around the world today.
International Students Day
Every November 17th is International Students’ Day. It is a day dedicated to the remembrance of the bravery of the students of Prague who fought for their right to higher education. Back in 1939, Nazi forces stopped and killed nine protesters and sent over 1,200 students to concentration camps. Today, we commemorate their sacrifice and their loss, and we continue to support everyone’s right to an education.
World Prematurity Day
Sadly, to this day, many babies are still born prematurely. While this does not always present health risks, in some cases, premature birth can be very dangerous for both the mother and the baby. So, today, we take the time to consider these premature births and what we can do to help prevent them – and what families can do to protect their unborn children potentially at risk.
National Hiking Day
Hiking can be one of the greatest joys in life – on a long hike you can explore new areas, see the world, and completely free yourself from the shackles of everyday life, work, and all those screens. So, today, take the hike you’ve always wanted to take or simply unwind on your favorite trail. Just remember to stay safe and dress appropriately!
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This page was last modified on November 16, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
In 1974, Britain officially outlawed the Irish Republican Army (IRA). They did so following the deaths of 21 people in the bombing of a pub in Birmingham. Unfortunately, this wouldn’t be the end of the period referred to as The Troubles, with tension escalating into further civilian deaths for the decades to come.
Famous Birthdays on November 17th
If you were born on November 17th…
…you’re a Scorpio! You’re strong, determined, and powerful! But you also have a vulnerable side that very few get to see.
If you’re on a voyage of self-discovery for your birthday this year, be sure to check out everything our Scorpio facts page has to say.
