1964⚡ Event
Gabonese coup d'état
Gabonese military officers overthrew President Léon M'ba. French forces reinstated him two days later, honoring a 1960 treaty.
politicswar
What Happened on February 17?
Discover 15 historical moments on February 17 — 5 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
politicssportsmusicwarentertainmentdisasterartsreligion
Hero image inspired by: The Troubles
Historical Events on February 17(5)
1974⚡ Event
Helicopter lands on White House South Lawn
A U.S. Army soldier stole a Bell UH-1 helicopter and landed it on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.
war
1978⚡ Event
Belfast Restaurant Bombing
On February 17, 1978, the Provisional Irish Republican Army bombed a restaurant near Belfast, Northern Ireland, killing twelve people and injuring thirty others.
warpolitics
1996⚡ Event
New Guinea Trench Earthquake and Tsunami
An 8.2 magnitude earthquake occurred in the New Guinea Trench on February 17, 1996, generating a tsunami that killed 108 people.
disaster
2011⚡ Event
Arab Spring in Bahrain and Libya
On February 17, 2011, Bahraini security forces killed four protesters in Manama. The "Day of Rage" also took place in Libya with nationwide protests against Muammar Gaddafi's government.
politics
Famous Birthdays on February 17(5)
Notable Deaths on February 17(5)
2025🕊️ Death
Frits Bolkestein
Frits Bolkestein, a Dutch politician, died on February 17, 2025. He was born in 1933.
politics
2025🕊️ Death
Rick Buckler
Rick Buckler, an English drummer, songwriter, and producer, died on February 17, 2025. He was born in 1955.
musicarts
February 17 in History
February 17 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1964 to the present day.
Major Events on February 17
Among the most notable events on February 17: Gabonese coup d'état (1964), Helicopter lands on White House South Lawn (1974), Belfast Restaurant Bombing (1978). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on February 17
Notable figures born on February 17 include Madison Keys, Sebastian Aho, Sasha Pieterse. View all birthdays →
Notable Deaths on February 17
Remembered figures who died on February 17 include Paquita la del Barrio, Frits Bolkestein, Rick Buckler. View all →
Browse what happened on February 16 or February 18, explore the full month of February, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 17?
- February 17 is home to 15 recorded historical entries, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
- What is the most notable event on February 17?
- One of the most notable events on February 17 is: Gabonese coup d'état.
- Who was born on February 17?
- Famous figures born on February 17 include Madison Keys, Sebastian Aho, Sasha Pieterse.
- How many historical events happened on February 17?
- Our collection records 5 historical events on February 17, spanning centuries of world history.
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