On this day

17 August in history.

5 moments from 1807 to 2008: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

Michael Phelps

2008

Eight gold medals. Michael Phelps won his eighth gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, the most ever at a single Games.

Wikipedia: Michael Phelps

Photo: Agência Brasil Fotografias / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

More from 17 August

  1. Replica of the Clermont (aka North River Steamboat ) in 1909

    1807

    Fulton's steamboat

    Robert Fulton's steamboat left New York City for Albany, the first successful commercial steamboat run.

    Wikipedia: North River SteamboatWikipedia: Robert Fulton

    Photo: Detroit Publishing Co. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  2. Cover to first edition of Animal Farm by George Orwell

    1945

    Animal Farm

    George Orwell's short novel about farm animals who take over their farm was published.

    Wikipedia: Animal FarmWikipedia: George Orwell

    Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  3. Jazz musician Miles Davis

    1959

    Kind of Blue

    Miles Davis released Kind of Blue, now one of the best-selling jazz albums ever.

    Wikipedia: Kind of BlueWikipedia: Miles Davis

    Photo: Tom Palumbo from New York City, USA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

  4. Double Eagle II

    1978

    Across the Atlantic by balloon

    The balloon Double Eagle II landed in France, the first balloon to cross the Atlantic.

    Wikipedia: Double Eagle II

    Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Moments chosen for discovery, creativity and courage. Each one links to a source where you can read more; photos are credited to their owners.