Today In History: June 17

Here are some significant events that took place on June 17.....

Sports
1994: In one of the most notable events ever recorded on television, O.J. Simpson is arrested after a highway chase in his Ford Bronco for the murders of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman five days before.

U.S. News
1885: At New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty arrives from France packed in 214 crates. The assembly of the famous statue would be completed the following year.

1901: The precursor to what is now known as the SAT is founded by the College Board. Since 2005, it has been known as the SAT Reasoning Test.

1928: Flying as a passenger, Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. The plane was piloted by Wilmer Stultz.

1987: At Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, the dusky seaside sparrow becomes extinct after "Orange Band" dies. It was declared officially extinct three years later.

World News
1631: In India, Mumtāz Mahal dies after giving birth to her 14th child. Her husband and Mughal Emperor Shan Jahan granted his wife's wish to build a structure more beautiful than anything ever seen. Construction for her tomb began the following year, and in 1653, the mausoleum of the world famous Taj Mahal was complete.

1944: Iceland becomes a republic after declaring independence from Denmark.

Posted in: events, June 17, sports, world history

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