August 17th: Key Historical Events, Traditions, and Calendar Facts

August 17th is a date filled with important historical milestones, cultural observances, and fascinating facts from across the globe. From pioneering achievements in aviation to significant political events and memorable birthdays, this day has played a pivotal role in shaping history. In this article, we’ll explore August 17th in different calendars, highlight customs and traditions, and look at major events and famous birthdays associated with this day.

August 17th in Various Calendars

Gregorian Calendar – August 17th is the 229th day of the year (230th in leap years), with 136 days remaining until the year ends.
Julian Calendar – In the Julian calendar, this corresponds to August 4th in the Gregorian system.
Hebrew Calendar – This date usually falls in the month of Av or Elul, depending on the year.
Islamic Calendar – As a lunar calendar, the Islamic date varies, but August 17th can occur during Muharram or Safar, sometimes aligning with important Islamic events.

Traditions and Observances on August 17th

Indonesia’s Independence Day

One of the most significant celebrations on this date is Indonesia’s Independence Day, marking the country’s declaration of independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945. It’s a national holiday filled with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, and community competitions like panjat pinang (pole-climbing contest).

Feast of Saint Hyacinth

In some Christian traditions, August 17th is dedicated to Saint Hyacinth, a Polish priest known for his missionary work in the 13th century.

Major Historical Events on August 17th

1807 – Robert Fulton’s Steamboat Sails

On this day, Robert Fulton’s North River Steamboat (Clermont) made its first successful voyage up the Hudson River, revolutionizing water transportation and commerce.

1943 – Sicily Falls to the Allies in World War II

The Allied forces completed their conquest of Sicily during World War II on August 17th, paving the way for the invasion of mainland Italy and shifting the balance in Europe.

1945 – Indonesia Declares Independence

After centuries under Dutch rule and years of Japanese occupation during World War II, Indonesia proclaimed independence on this day in 1945. The declaration by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta remains a cornerstone of Indonesian history.

1962 – Peter Fechter Shot at the Berlin Wall

During the Cold War, 18-year-old Peter Fechter was shot and killed by East German guards while attempting to cross the Berlin Wall into West Berlin. His death sparked international outrage and highlighted the brutality of the East German regime.

1978 – First Successful Balloon Crossing of the Atlantic

The Double Eagle II, a helium-filled balloon, landed in France after crossing the Atlantic Ocean from the United States. This achievement marked a milestone in the history of aviation.

1987 – Rudolf Hess Found Dead

Former Nazi official Rudolf Hess, imprisoned for life at Spandau Prison, was found dead on this day, officially ruled a suicide. His death ended a controversial chapter in post-war German history.

Famous Birthdays on August 17th

Davy Crockett (1786) – American folk hero, frontiersman, and politician.
Mae West (1893) – Iconic actress and writer known for her sharp wit and bold personality.
Robert De Niro (1943) – Academy Award-winning actor and film producer.
Belinda Carlisle (1958) – Singer and frontwoman of The Go-Go’s.

Why August 17th Is Significant

From Indonesia’s independence and groundbreaking achievements in transportation and aviation to unforgettable cultural icons, August 17th has shaped global history in remarkable ways. It remains a date that commemorates freedom, innovation, and cultural milestones.

✅ Discover More Dates in History

Curious about what happened on other days of the year? Explore our full On This Day series for fascinating historical facts.

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1960

In 1960 Gabon gains its independence from France.

The earliest settlers in Gabon that we know of were the ancient Bantu people; a tribe of early explorers that originated in central Africa and spread out east, west and south across the continent encompassing almost the entire southern half of Africa. Archaeological evidence of the Bantu people can be found in the form of Stone Age axes from around 500 BC. It is believed that the first settlers may have been pigmies but there is no physical evidence of this.

In the 15th century Portuguese King John II sent explorer Diogo Cam to the West African coast on a voyage of discovery. One of the many lands he discovered was the estuary of the Komo River which they believed resembled the shape of a cloak. They named it the Gabao, which is Portuguese for cloak and this name, was later given to the entire country. In 1593 the Dutch visited the country followed by the French some 35 years later. The first trade between the natives and Europeans was that of tobacco, and cloth but by the late 18^th Century the main trade had become slavery. Africans were kidnapped from deep within Gabon and the surrounding area by slavers and then bound and sailed down the river to the estuary. The mouth of the river was a huge slave market were European s such as the British, French and Dutch would purchase them, mainly for work in the America’s.

By the 1800’s both France and Britain had begun to change their policy on slavery. On the 4^th of February 1794 the French Revolutionaries passed a law banning slavery in France and all its colonies. Napoleon Bonaparte revoked the law eight years later on the 20^th of May 1802 in many of the colonies in the westbut it was completely outlawed in all their colonies by the 27^th of April 1848. The United Kingdom abolished the slave trade throughout the empire on the 25^th of March 1807 which came into effect in 1808. In 1833 the Slavery Abolition Act banned slavery giving freedom to all previously bought slaves within the British Empire. After the final defeat of Napoleon in 1815 both the Royal Navy and the French Navy began to actively patrol the western coast of Africa in order to prevent the continuation of the slave trade.

Through treaties signed in 1839 and 1841 with French diplomats and leaders in Gabon, France became a protectorate of the country. Despite the actions of the two Navies many people attempted to smuggle slaves out of Africa. In 1849 one such ship was boarded by the French Navy and the slaves freed. These slaves were released in an area they named “Libreville” (French for free town) which has become the capital city of Gabon.

France had also acquired other territories in Africa including Middle Congo (now the Republic of the Congo), Oubangui-Chari (now the Central African Republic) and Chad. On the 15^th of January 1910 France incorporated these countries and Gabon into French Equatorial Africa (or Afrique Equatoriale Francaise (AEF)). These countries played a pivotal role for the Free French forces during World War II.

By the end of Word War II the Anti-Colonial Movement in France was at full force and on the 27^th of October 1946 the French Fourth Republic changed the constitution which changed all colonies of the French Empire into the French Union. In the French overseas territory of Algeria the majority of the population were looking towards complete Independence from France and on the 1^st of November 1954 war broke out between the National Liberation Front and French Forces. But independence was not wanted by the entire population and in 1958 approximately 1 million of the countries 9 million inhabitants marched in the capital city, Algiers, against independence form France. General Charles de Galle was recalled to power and he dealt with the situation by ordering a referendum be held in all the countries of the French Union. On the 28^th of September 1958 all the countries of France voted for a change to the constitution. It gave all overseas territories until the 4^th of February 1959 to choose one of three options:-

To remain a French Overseas Territory (Governed by elected localised group assemblies)
To become a member state of the French Community
Become an Overseas Department

Gabon chose to become a Member State of the French Community and on the 4^th of June 1960 new changes to the constitution gave Member States the right to full independence. On the 17^th of August 1960 Gabon became fully independent from France (the last member of French Equatorial Africa to do so).