29 Fascinating Facts About March 17: This Day in History

ByKim Richmond Hours Updated Categories Time & Calendar

Exploring the rich collection of facts about March 17 begins with its worldwide recognition as St. Patrick’s Day, a celebration that transcends its Irish origins to become a global phenomenon honoring Irish culture and heritage.

Beyond this vibrant cultural celebration, March 17 has witnessed remarkable historical moments. What memorable moments occurred on this day? Let’s discover.

March 17 Facts At-a-Glance

Historical Significance: Construction began on Empire State Building (1930)
Famous Birthdays: Nat “King” Cole, Kurt Russell
Cultural Observances: St. Patrick’s Day
Notable Event: SS Utopia sinks off Gibraltar (1891)
Scientific Achievement: First elastic bands patented (1845)
Numerological Position: 76th day of the year
Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Modern Significance and Observances

March 17 is primarily known worldwide as St. Patrick’s Day, the vibrant celebration that honors Ireland’s patron saint and cultural heritage.

  1. On March 17th annually, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated globally with vibrant parades, lively festivals, and the widespread tradition of wearing green attire. Originally honoring Ireland’s patron saint who brought Christianity to the island in the 5th century, the celebration has evolved to embrace Irish identity worldwide. From New York’s massive parade to the greening of landmarks like the Chicago River, this holiday combines religious reverence with folk customs and communal revelry, allowing people everywhere to connect with the rich heritage of the Emerald Isle through music, cuisine, and shared traditions.
  2. The Chicago River is dyed green annually on March 17, a tradition dating back to 1962.

Suggested Read: 27 Fun Facts About Ireland: Emerald Isle Wonders

Historical Events and Turning Points

March 17 stands as a crucial date that has witnessed significant historical and technological developments.

  1. On March 17, 1776, British forces evacuated Boston during the American Revolutionary War after George Washington’s troops fortified Dorchester Heights.
  2. On March 17, 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed, unifying the Italian peninsula under King Victor Emmanuel II.
  3. On March 17, 1891, a devastating maritime disaster occurred when the British passenger vessel SS Utopia collided with the military ship HMS Anson near Gibraltar, causing the Utopia to sink and claiming the lives of more than 550 passengers and crew members.
  4. On March 17, 1930, construction crews broke ground on New York City’s legendary Empire State Building, completing the massive structure in just 1 year and 45 days—approximately 13 months—setting a remarkable construction speed record.
  5. On March 17, 1969, Golda Meir was sworn in as the first female Prime Minister of Israel, a pivotal moment in Israeli history.
  6. On March 17, 1973, the first U.S. prisoner of war (POWs) released from Vietnam arrived at Travis Air Force Base in California.
  7. On March 17, 1988, Avianca Flight 410, a Boeing 727 aircraft, struck a mountainside shortly after departing from Cucuta Airport in Colombia, resulting in the death of all 143 individuals aboard.
  8. On March 17, 1992, a referendum in South Africa approved the end of apartheid, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
  9. On March 17, 1992, a terrorist bombing targeted the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, killing 29 people and wounding more than 200 others.

Cultural Impact and Celebrations

The seventeenth day of March has witnessed significant cultural developments and celebrations worldwide.

  1. On March 17, 1762, the first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade in the United States was held in New York City by Irish soldiers serving in the British Army.

Notable Births and Achievements

March 17 has marked the birth of influential figures who have shaped music, sports, and literature.

  1. On March 17, 1856, Mikhail Vrubel was born in Omsk, Russia, later becoming a prominent Symbolist painter.
  2. On March 17, 1902, Robert Tyre “Bobby” Jones Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, later becoming a legendary golfer who dominated the sport in the 1920s.
  3. On March 17, 1919, Nat King Cole was born in Montgomery, Alabama, later becoming a pioneering jazz pianist and vocalist.
  4. On March 17, 1938, Rudolf Nureyev was born in the Soviet Union, later becoming one of ballet’s most celebrated dancers.

Scientific and Technological Milestones

March 17 marks several groundbreaking achievements in science and space exploration.

  1. On March 17, 1845, Stephen Perry of London-based rubber manufacturing company Perry & Co secured a patent for the first elastic bands produced from vulcanized rubber. This innovation transformed how people secured papers and various items together.
  2. On March 17, 1950, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley announced the creation of element 98, Californium.
  3. On March 17, 1958, the U.S. Navy launched Vanguard 1, the world’s first solar-powered satellite, which remains the oldest satellite still in orbit, a small 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) sphere.
  4. On March 17, 1966, a U.S. midget submarine located a missing hydrogen bomb in the Mediterranean Sea off Spain.

Suggested Read: 20 Magical Facts About The Mediterranean Sea

Political and Social Movements

March 17 has witnessed significant political decisions and social movements that have shaped nations.

  1. On March 17, 1905, the wedding of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, who were distant cousins, took place. Their union and collaborative relationship would eventually shape American political landscape during both the Great Depression era and World War II period.
  2. On March 17, 1921, the Mothers’ Clinic for Constructive Birth Control, the first birth control clinic in London, was inaugurated by Marie Stopes and her spouse, Humphrey Verdon Roe.
  3. On March 17, 1941, Washington D.C. celebrated the opening of the National Gallery of Art, which showcased the art collection donated by former Treasury Secretary and financial magnate Andrew Mellon, representing an important development in America’s cultural and artistic heritage.
  4. On March 17, 1942, General Douglas MacArthur arrived in Australia after escaping from the Philippines, declaring, “I came through and I shall return.”
  5. On March 17, 1948, the Treaty of Brussels was signed, creating a military alliance that would later evolve into NATO.
  6. On March 17, 1959, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet for India following the Tibetan uprising against Chinese occupation.
  7. On March 17, 1970, the United States Postal Service experienced its first postal strike in history. It was initiated by New York City letter carriers.
  8. On March 17, 2003, President George W. Bush gave Saddam Hussein 48 hours to leave Iraq before the start of the Iraq War.

Sports and Entertainment History

The world of sports and entertainment has witnessed remarkable achievements on March 17.

  1. On March 17, 2000, Julia Roberts became the first actress to command a $20 million salary for her role in “Erin Brockovich,” marking a significant moment for pay equity in Hollywood.

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