January 17

    What happened on January 17 in history

    4 events fall on January 17, from 1706 to 1995. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

    Events on January 17

    1. 1706

      Benjamin Franklin is born

      The fifteenth child of a Boston candlemaker begins a life of printing, science and diplomacy.

      Play the Exploration & revolution round

    2. 1912

      Scott reaches the South Pole

      The British party arrives to find Amundsen's tent and flag already there.

      Read about RMS Titanic SinkingPlay the 20th century round

    3. 1966

      The Palomares hydrogen bomb accident

      A B-52 collision scatters nuclear weapons over a Spanish village and the sea.

      Read about Gateway Arch Under Construction, St. LouisPlay the 20th century round

    4. 1995

      The Kobe earthquake

      A quake beneath the Japanese port kills more than six thousand and topples an expressway.

      Play the 20th century round

    Guess where and when

    Explore a 360° historical scene and place it on the map and the timeline. Free, no sign-up.

    Play today's challenge