Today in US history, on February 17: Pivotal moments from presidential elections to landmark decisions

February 17 has repeatedly played host to pivotal events in US history, encompassing landmark political decisions, transformative legal rulings, groundbreaking military innovations, notorious criminal cases, and milestones in arts and entertainment that have left a lasting impact on the nation.

1801 - Jefferson wins presidency in historic house vote



On this day, the US House of Representatives resolved an electoral tie, electing Thomas Jefferson president and Aaron Burr vice president.


1864: First submarine attack sinks USS Housatonic



The Confederate submarine HL Hunley sank the Union ship USS Housatonic in Charleston Harbour, also losing itself in the attack.

1964: Supreme Court mandates equal Congressional districts



In Wesberry v. Sanders, the US Supreme Court ruled that state congressional districts must have roughly equal populations.

1992: Jeffrey Dahmer sentenced to life



Serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer received life imprisonment after being convicted of 15 counts of first-degree murder.

2014: Jimmy Fallon debuts on “The Tonight Show”



Jimmy Fallon debuted as host of NBC’s “Tonight Show” on February 17, 2014, succeeding Jay Leno. His energetic style and celebrity sketches quickly reshaped the iconic late-night program.