On this day

17 January in history.

5 moments from 1562 to 1946: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

HMS Resolution (1771)

1773

Crossing the Antarctic Circle. On his second great voyage, James Cook sailed HMS Resolution across the Antarctic Circle, the first known ship ever to do so.

Wikipedia: Second voyage of James Cook

Photo: William Hodges / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

More from 17 January

  1. Portrait of Catherine de' Medici (1519-1589), widow of Henry II of France (1519-1559). She wears the black cap and veil of widow, after 1559

    1562

    A step towards tolerance

    In France, the Edict of Saint-Germain gave Protestants, known as Huguenots, a limited right to practise their faith.

    Wikipedia: Edict of Saint-GermainWikipedia: Huguenots

    Photo: Workshop of François Clouet / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  2. The Cherry Orchard

    1904

    The Cherry Orchard premieres

    Anton Chekhov's last play, The Cherry Orchard, was performed for the first time at the Moscow Art Theatre.

    Wikipedia: The Cherry OrchardWikipedia: Anton Chekhov

    Photo: Alexander Bakshy / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  3. Last expedition of Robert Falcon Scott . The image shows Wilson , Scott and Oates (standing); and Bowers and Evans (sitting)

    1912

    Scott reaches the South Pole

    After months of hauling sledges across the ice, Robert Falcon Scott's team arrived at the South Pole. A tent and a Norwegian flag told them Roald Amundsen had been there 33 days before.

    Wikipedia: Terra Nova ExpeditionWikipedia: Robert Falcon Scott

    Photo: Henry Bowers (1883–1912) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  4. The emblem of the United Nations

    1946

    The Security Council meets

    The United Nations Security Council held its very first meeting, in London.

    Wikipedia: United Nations Security Council

    Photo: Joowwww / 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.