1. Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts. Although he is closely associated with Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, he spent much of his early life in Boston and later lived in other cities like London and Paris.

2. On January 17, 1781, the Battle of Cowpens was fought in South Carolina during the American Revolution. Although it did not take place in Pennsylvania, the battle was an important victory for American forces and helped to turn the tide of the war in their favor.

3. H. J. Heinz, the founder of the H. J. Heinz Company, was born on January 17, 1844 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company is known for its ketchup, condiments, and other food products, and has been based in Pittsburgh since its inception.

4. On January 17, 1893, the Pennsylvania State University was founded in State College, Pennsylvania. The school is now known as Penn State and has grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States.

5. The first use of the term "Pennsylvania Dutch" to describe German-speaking settlers in Pennsylvania was recorded on January 17, 1823 by an Ohio newspaper. The term is now commonly used to refer to the distinctive culture and traditions of these settlers and their descendants.