On This Day In History, 17 October


On This Day In History 17 October Image

World Events Today

  • The London Beer Flood occurred today in 1814, the accident started when a huge wooden vat burst, 8 people were killed in the subsequent torrent of beer
  • The Cullin-la-ringo massacre occurred today in 1861 in Central Queensland, Australia, native Aborigines attacked a settlement train and killed 19 of the 25 settlers, it was the largest ever massacre of settlers by local Aboriginals
  • Albert Einstein, wanting to avoid Nazi Germany, arrived in the United States today in 1933, 7 years later he became a citizen

Entertainment Events Today

  • The inaugural Open Championship, the oldest golf tournament in the world, was held at Prestwick Golf Club today in 1860, the Scotsman William Park Senior was the first champion
  • The epic adventure-comedy movie Around the World in 80 Days, starring David Niven, was released today in 1956, it went on to win 5 Academy Awards
  • The action thriller movie Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn and Jacqueline Bisset, was released today in 1968

Family Events Today

  • The Polish composer Frédéric Chopin died today in 1849 aged 39
  • Robert Craig Knievel, better known as the American stunt performer and entertainer Evel Knievel, was born today in 1938 in Montana
  • Marshall Bruce Mathers III, better known as the American rapper Eminem, whose hits include Lose Yourself and Stan, was born today in 1972 in Missouri

Main Event Today

  • The Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway during World War II, was completed today in 1943, it is estimated that over 10,000 of the forced labour work force died during the construction

National Day Today

  • Today, it’s National Pasta Day

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