8:04 pm - Friday April 17, 2026

Day In History

This Day in History

Today: April 17, 2026
1080
Harald III of Denmark dies and is succeeded by Canute IV, who would later be the first Dane to be canonized.
1349
The rule of the Bavand dynasty in Mazandaran is brought to an end by the murder of Hasan II.
1362
Kaunas Castle falls to the Teutonic Order after a month-long siege.
1492
Spain and Christopher Columbus sign the Capitulations of Santa Fe for his voyage to Asia to acquire spices.
1521
Trial of Martin Luther over his teachings begins during the assembly of the Diet of Worms. Initially intimidated, he asks for time to reflect before answering and is given a stay of one day.
1524
Giovanni da Verrazzano reaches New York harbor.
1797
Sir Ralph Abercromby attacks San Juan, Puerto Rico, in what would be one of the largest invasions of the Spanish territories in the Americas.
1797
Citizens of Verona begin an unsuccessful eight-day rebellion against the French occupying forces.
1861
The state of Virginia's secession convention votes to secede from the United States; Virginia later becomes the eighth state to join the Confederate States of America.
1863
American Civil War: Grierson's Raid begins: Troops under Union Army Colonel Benjamin Grierson attack central Mississippi.
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