Honoring History and Flavor on Washington's Birthday
From the first submarine to sink a warship to the launch of the world's first weather satellite, February 17th is a day of monumental human achievement.
Quick Facts for February 17
- Zodiac sign: Aquarius
- Day of year: 48
About Washington's Birthday
Washington's Birthday serves as a significant moment in the American calendar, honoring the legacy of George Washington. While often used as a federal holiday to recognize the nation's founding, the day carries a spirit of reflection on leadership and the evolution of the United States itself.
Beyond the official observances, this February date is a vibrant intersection of culture and curiosity. Whether you are exploring the political shifts of the past or enjoying the unique quirky celebrations like International Pancake Day, it is a time to appreciate both our shared history and our unique traditions.
Holidays & Observances on February 17
- Independence Day, celebrates the independence declaration of Kosovo in 2008, still partially recognized.
- Revolution Day (Libya)
Fun & National Days on February 17
- International Pancake Day — Flip some delicious pancakes and enjoy a sweet morning treat!
- National Café au Lait Day — Treat yourself to a creamy, delicious coffee with milk today.
- Champion Crab Races Day — Celebrate with some lively and unique competitive crab racing fun!
- Chinese New Year
- Mardi Gras
- My Way Day
- National Cabbage Day
- National Indian Pudding Day
- National PTA Founders' Day
- National Public Science Day
On This Day in History
- 1411 — Musa Çelebi secured the Ottoman throne with assistance from Wallachia's ruler following the Ottoman Interregnum.
- 1600 — Philosopher Giordano Bruno faced execution in Rome, where a wooden device was used to silence him.
- 1621 — Myles Standish took command as the primary military leader for the English Plymouth Colony in North America.
- 1753 — Sweden transitioned to the Gregorian calendar, causing February 17th to be followed immediately by March 1st.
- 1801 — The House of Representatives broke a tie between Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson to elect the President.
- 1863 — A humanitarian committee was established in Geneva, which would eventually evolve into the International Committee of the Red Cross.
- 1864 — The H. L. Hunley made history by becoming the first submarine to successfully sink an enemy warship.
- 1913 — The Armory Show debuted in New York, showcasing artists who would define the 20th-century painting landscape.
- 1959 — The Vanguard 2 mission successfully launched the very first satellite designed to track global cloud patterns.
- 1965 — The Ranger 8 probe was launched to photograph the Moon's Sea of Tranquility for future Apollo missions.
- 1972 — The Volkswagen Beetle reached a massive milestone, surpassing the Ford Model T in total cumulative sales.
- 1996 — In a historic chess match, the supercomputer Deep Blue was defeated by world champion Garry Kasparov.
Famous Birthdays on February 17
- 624 — Wu Zetian, The powerful Chinese empress consort who shaped the history of her empire.
- 1781 — René Laennec, The brilliant French physician responsible for the invention of the stethoscope.
- 1888 — Otto Stern, An esteemed German-American physicist and recipient of the Nobel Prize.
- 1963 — Michael Jordan, The legendary American basketball icon and successful global businessman.
- 1981 — Joseph Gordon-Levitt, A versatile and acclaimed American actor, director, and producer.
- 1981 — Paris Hilton, The famous American media personality, businesswoman, and model.
- 1991 — Ed Sheeran, The world-renowned English singer-songwriter and highly influential musician.