August 17

What happened on August 17 in history

3 events fall on August 17, from 1585 to 1962. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

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Events on August 17

  1. 1585

    The Roanoke colonists land

    English settlers arrive at the island later found deserted.

    Play the Medieval & Renaissance round

  2. 1945

    Indonesia declares independence

    Sukarno reads the proclamation in Jakarta two days after Japan's surrender.

    Play the 20th century round

  3. 1962

    The first death at the Berlin Wall

    Peter Fechter is shot trying to cross and left to die in the death strip.

    Play the 20th century round