1. In 1896, the first pedestrian death caused by an automobile occurred on August 17 in New York City. Bridget Driscoll was struck and killed by a vehicle traveling at 4 mph at the Crystal Palace in London.

2. On August 17, 1790, the first U.S. patent was issued. New York resident Samuel Hopkins was granted a patent for his method of making potash, which was used in the making of soap, glass, and fertilizer.

3. On August 17, 1966, John Lennon and his wife Cynthia were involved in a car accident on a rural road in Scotland, while visiting her relatives. The accident led to Lennon's tooth being knocked out, which ultimately led to a change in his appearance and style.

4. In 1865, on August 17, a mass abolitionist meeting was held in New York City to celebrate the passage of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.

5. On August 17, 1929, the Babe Ruth-led New York Yankees played the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium. It was the first game played after lights had been installed in the stadium for night games.