April 17th
1492
Christopher Columbus received a commission from Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to seek a westward ocean passage to Asia.
1790
Benjamin Franklin, U.S. patriot, diplomat, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, died in Philadelphia at age 84.
1937
Daffy Duck made his debut in Porky's Duck Hunt.
1951
Baseball Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle made his major league debut with the New York Yankees.
1961
Supported by the U.S. government, 1,500 exiles made the unsuccessful Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba.
1964
Geraldine Mock became the first woman to fly solo around the world.
1964
The Ford Motor Co. unveiled the Mustang.
1969
Sirhan Sirhan was convicted for the murder of Robert F. Kennedy.
1970
The Apollo 13 astronauts safely splashed down after their near-disastrous flight.
1987
NBC aired the final episode of "Remington Steele."
1998
Linda McCartney, wife of former Beatle Paul McCartney, died at age 55.
Birthdays
58 Olivia Hussey Actress
57 Clarke Peters Actor
55 Rowdy Roddy Piper Professional wrestler
50 Sean Bean Actor
48 Boomer Esiason Football player and commentator
45 Maynard James Keenan Rock singer (Tool)
45 Lela Rochon Actress
44 William Mapother Actor ("Lost")
42 Leslie Bega Actor
42 Kimberly Elise Actress
42 Liz Phair Rock singer
37 Jennifer Garner Actress
36 Craig Anderson Country musician (Heartland)
70 Samuel Chase 4/17/1741 - 6/19/1811 American jurist and signer of the Declaration of Independence
76 J. P. Morgan 4/17/1837 - 3/31/1913 American financier; formed U. S. Steel
78 Thornton Wilder 4/17/1897 - 12/7/1975 American novelist and playwright