November 17th is the day we officially celebrate Take A Hike Day and Unfriend Day.
We made it to day 322 of the year, and there are only 44 days remaining in 2024.
From religious events to disasters and politics, November 17th in history has been an eventful one! Learn all about this special day with these historical facts & events that all happened on this day.
Did you know that on this day in 1855, explorer David Livingstone became the first European to see Victoria Falls? He carved his initials and the date into a nearby tree to commemorate the occasion.
Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about November 17th in history!
Events
What memorable events happened on November 17 in history? Keep reading to find out!
2019
A 55-year-old man became the first known person to contract COVID-19.
The unnamed man hailed from the Hubei province, where the virus was first recorded. Despite cases of the virus being found as early as this, the Chinese government didn’t recognize it as a new virus until a few weeks later.
2014
The legislation was passed, allowing females to be appointed as bishops of The Church of England.
2009
A sequel to LittleBigPlanet was released for the PlayStation Portable.
This PSP sequel was confusingly called LittleBigPlanet, so it’s often referred to as LittleBigPlanet PSP. Many of the game’s levels look similar to the PS3 sequel, but the story is completely different.
1989
This day marked the beginning of The Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia.
The Velvet Revolution, also called the Gentle Revolution, was a series of non-violent protests and demonstrations led by Prague students against the communist government. Riot police broke up this first demonstration, which sparked a series of ongoing student protests until December 29, 1989.
1986
The crew aboard Japan Airlines Flight 1628 sighted three potential UFOs above Alaska.
The Boeing 747 aircraft flew from Paris to Narita International Airport in Japan with a cargo of French wine. While flying over Alaska, the crew reportedly saw two unidentified flying objects close in on their plane and escort it. After the two UFOs departed, another larger circular object was witnessed tailing the aircraft. No other aircraft in the area were able to confirm the sightings.
Famous Births
Is today your birthday? If so, you share the same birthday with Danny DeVito. Here are a few other famous people born on this day.
1944
Danny DeVito
American
Actor
Age:
80 years old
Born In:
New Jersey, USA
1960
RuPaul
American
Drag Queen
Age:
64 years old
Born In:
California, USA
1978
Rachel McAdams
Canadian
Actress
Age:
46 years old
Born In:
Ontario, Canada
1942
Martin Scorsese
American
Film Director
Age:
82 years old
Born In:
New York, USA
Quotes
Below are the most famous quotes people have said or written on November 17th throughout history.
1894
Education is an admirable thing. But it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.
Oscar Wilde
Irish Poet
1798
An artist cannot do anything slovenly.
Jane Austen
English Novelist
Special Holidays
If you’re looking to try something new today, here are some special holidays that might just give you an idea.
National Unfriend Day
In 2014 American comedian Jimmy Kimmel founded National Unfriend Day because he felt that too many people had too many so-called friends on social media that they didn’t even know. If you have friends on social media that you don’t know or care about, unfriend them today!
National Take A Hike Day
It’s time to get your hiking gear out of the closet, lace up your boots, and go on an adventure! Hiking is one of those things that always feels so rewarding, yet we often don’t find time for it. It doesn’t matter if you go for a short hike or go trekking for days; just get outdoors!
THe Fact Site’s
Fun Fact Of The Day
There is a small strip of land in North Carolina, which is officially British. It is a small cemetery that flies the British flag, and the “forever lease” states that it is British land.
Birthday & Zodiac
Everyone who was born on November 17th shares the star sign of Scorpio.
Scorpios are often misunderstood due to their harsh and fiery nature. However, they’re actually highly emotional and crave intimacy.
Anyone born in November has the Topaz birthstone. Topaz is a very hard and durable gemstone and provides love and affection while also providing strength and intelligence.
If you were born on November 17th, you would likely have been conceived on or around February 24th of the same year.
A baby that is conceived on this day will be due around August 10, 2025.
