1) On August 17, 1896, the Idaho Springs Mine disaster occurred in Silver City, Idaho. The mine collapsed, killing miners and injuring several others. It was one of the worst mining disasters in Idaho's history.

2) The first ever Boise State University football game was played on August 17, 1970. The Broncos lost to the Chico State Wildcats by a score of 42-14.

3) On August 17, 1911, the USS Idaho battleship was launched in Camden, New Jersey. It was the lead ship of the United States Navy's Idaho class battleships.

4) Famous Idaho author Vardis Fisher was born on August 17, 1895, in Annis, Idaho. He wrote numerous novels and historical works, including "Mountain Man" and "Children of God."

5) August 17, 1898, marked the completion of the Coeur d'Alene Fire of 1898 that lasted for three days. It destroyed most of the city's business district and about 200 homes. The city rebuilt quickly, with many permanent stone and brick buildings constructed to replace the wooden structures that were destroyed.