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March 17 in History: First St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Empire State Building Construction, and Nevada Legalizes Gambling

Scott Winters March 17, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on March 17 in history, along with notable celebrity birthdays and fun Days of the Year to celebrate.

What Happened on March 17 in History?

Important events on this day include the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in America, construction beginning on the Empire State Building, and Nevada becoming the first U.S. state to legalize gambling.

MARCH 17 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

461 – Bishop Patrick, St. Patrick, died in Saul. Ireland celebrates this day in his honor.

1756 – At the Crown and Thistle Tavern in New York, NY, St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated for the first time.

1762 – The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in America took place.

1808 – St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated in Detroit, MI for the first time.

1845 – The rubber band was patented.

1847 – The Michigan state legislature met for the last session in Detroit. They then moved to Lansing.

1868 – The postage stamp cancelling machine was patented.

1884 – In Otay, CA, John Joseph Montgomery made the first crewed, controlled, heavier-than-air glider flight in the United States.

1905 – Franklin Roosevelt married Eleanor Roosevelt, who was a distant relative.

1910 – The Camp Fire Girls organization was founded by Luther and Charlotte Gulick. It was formally presented to the public exactly 2 years later.

1917 – America’s first bowling tournament for ladies began in St. Louis, MO. Almost 100 women participated in the event.

1930 – Al Capone was released from jail.

1930 – In New York, NY, construction began on the Empire State Building. Excavation of the site began a few months earlier, on January 22.

1931 – The state of Nevada legalized gambling.

1941 – The National Gallery of Art was officially opened in Washington, DC, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

1950 – Scientists at the University of California at Berkeley announced that they had created a new radioactive element — element 98. They called it “californium”.

1958 – The Vanguard 1 satellite was launched by the U.S.

1972 – President Richard Nixon asked Congress to halt busing in order to achieve desegregation.

1973 – The first American prisoners of war (POWs) were released from the “Hanoi Hilton” in Hanoi, North Vietnam.

1985 – President Ronald Reagan agreed to a joint study with Canada on acid rain.

1997 – The RIAA announced that the Eagles’ “Greatest Hits” album had tied Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album as the all-time best-selling record in the United States.

1999 – A panel of medical experts concluded that marijuana had medical benefits for people suffering from cancer and AIDS.

1999 – The International Olympic Committee expelled six of its members in the wake of a bribery scandal.

2000 – The movie “Erin Brockovich”, starring Julia Roberts, premiered in theaters. (The real Erin Brockovich wanted Goldie Hawn to play her in the movie.)

2004 – NASA’s Messenger became the first spacecraft to enter into orbit around Mercury. The probe took more than 270,000 pictures before it crashed into the surface of Mercury on April 30, 2015.

2005 – Ten baseball players, including homerun kings Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, appeared before Congress to answer questions regarding the use of steroids.

2005 – A report in the New England Journal of Medicine warned that childhood obesity could reduce life expectancy by two to five years.

2007 – Mike Modano, of the Dallas Stars, scored his 502nd and 503rd career goals making him the all-time U.S. leader in goal-scoring.

2009 – The iTunes Music Store reached 800 million applications downloaded.

2013 – The largest meteorite, since NASA started observing the Moon in 2005, hit the Moon.

2017 – The live action version of the Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast”, starring Emma Watson, debuted in theaters.

2020 – The Grand Rapids, MI Festival of the Arts was cancelled for the first time in five decades due to COVID-19. It had been scheduled for the first weekend in June.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MARCH 17:

Myrlie Evers-Williams – 93 years old (1933) – Journalist and activist

Cito Gaston – 82 years old (1944) – Baseball player and manager

Michael Hayden – 81 years old (1945) – General, 20th Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

William Gibson – 78 years old (1948) – American-Canadian author and screenwriter

Scott Gorham – 75 years old (1951) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Cynthia McKinney – 71 years old (1955) – Activist and politician

Patrick McDonnell – 70 years old (1956) – Author and illustrator

Danny Ainge – 67 years old (1959) – Baseball and basketball player

Paul Black – 67 years old (1959) – Singer-songwriter and drummer

Sam Bowie – 65 years old (1961) – Basketball player

Janet Gardner – 64 years old (1962) – Singer and guitarist

Rob Lowe – 62 years old (1964) – Actor

Barry Minkow – 59 years old (1967) – Pastor and businessman

Gene Ween – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Bill Mueller – 55 years old (1971) – Baseball player and coach

Vance Wilson – 53 years old (1973) – Baseball player and manager

Scott Downs – 50 years old (1976) – Baseball player

Tamar Braxton – 49 years old (1977) – Singer and television personality

Zachery Kouwe – 48 years old (1978) – Journalist

Stormy Daniels – 47 years old (1979) – Adult film actress

Stephen Kramer Glickman – 47 years old (1979) – Canadian-American actor, director, producer, and fashion designer

Samoa Joe – 47 years old (1979) – Professional wrestler

Danny Califf – 46 years old (1980) – Soccer player

Aaron Baddeley – 45 years old (1981) – American-Australian golfer

Kyle Korver – 45 years old (1981) – Basketball player

Chris Copeland – 42 years old (1984) – Basketball player and coach

Ryan Rottman – 42 years old (1984) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter

Chris Davis – 40 years old (1986) – Baseball player

Jeremy Pargo – 40 years old (1986) – Basketball player

Rob Kardashian – 39 years old (1987) – Television personality

Bobby Ryan – 39 years old (1987) – Ice hockey player

Emmanuel Sanders – 39 years old (1987) – Football player

Cordarrelle Patterson – 35 years old (1991) – Football player

Thomas Robinson – 35 years old (1991) – American-Lebanese basketball player

Patrick Cantlay – 34 years old (1992) – Golfer

Rhys Hoskins – 33 years old (1993) – Baseball player

DeForest Buckner – 32 years old (1994) – Football player

Terry Rozier – 32 years old (1994) – Basketball player

Claressa Shields – 31 years old (1995) – Boxer and mixed martial artist

Katie Ledecky – 29 years old (1997) – Swimmer

Brandon Aiyuk – 28 years old (1998) – Football player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MARCH 17:

National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day: Get ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this delicious meal made of slow-cooked, savory meat and tender, flavorful vegetables.
Doctor-Patient Trust Day: Doctor-Patient Trust Day is a special occasion dedicated to highlighting the crucial relationship between healthcare providers and their patients. Trust is the quiet ingredient that makes medical care work. It helps a patient feel safe enough to share symptoms they might otherwise keep private, including the awkward, the scary, and the...
World Social Work Day: Supporting individuals in navigating challenges, social workers compassionately empower communities, fostering resilience and positive change.
Tea for Two Tuesday: Did you know that there's a special day dedicated just to enjoying tea with someone else? It's called Tea for Two Tuesday, and it is celebrated every year on the third Tuesday of March. Tea for Two Tuesday is not just about sipping your favorite brew; it's a day that...
Camp Fire Girls Day: Camp Fire Girls Day celebrates the spirit of exploration, leadership, and service that has defined the organization for over a century. It honors the growth, achievements, and community contributions of young people who participate in Camp Fire. This movement began as a way to provide girls with meaningful outdoor experiences and...
National 3D Day: This event is here to improve awareness and create excitement about the elements of 3-dimensional printing that includes both art and science. National 3D Day offers a delightful opportunity for fans and practitioners of 3D printing to promote it while those who are newer to the concept can take some...
Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day: Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day honors a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to faith and service. Known for her piety and charitable works, Gertrude became an abbess at a young age, managing a monastery that provided care for the sick, elderly, and travelers. Her feast day celebrates her contributions to...
Evacuation Day in Boston: Evacuation Day in Boston marks the moment when the city was freed from British military control during the early days of the American Revolutionary War. The event stands out as the first major victory for the Continental Army, led by George Washington. After months of tense standoffs and strategic moves...
Saint Patrick’s Day: Wearing green, drinking Guinness, and searching for leprechauns – whether you're Irish or not, St. Paddy's Day is a celebration for all!
March Madness: Get your game face on for March Madness! This high-energy tournament is a slam dunk of excitement, passion, and heart-pumping action. So grab your team colors, gear up for the showdown, and let the madness begin!
National Agriculture Week: National Agriculture Week shines a spotlight on the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who fill our plates and fuel our lives. Behind every meal and everyday product is someone who works hard, from dawn to dusk, to ensure we all have what we need. This week connects us to the...
International Teach Music Week: International Teach Music Week is a vibrant celebration that lights up every year's third week of March, and unites over 750 music schools and various organizations globally. They offer free 30-minute lessons to new students, encouraging everyone from kids to adults to explore the joy of music. It's a time when...
Global Money Week: Every year, Global Money Week (GMW) kicks off excitedly, focusing on enhancing financial awareness among the young. This vibrant event is organized by the OECD International Network on Financial Education, the launch brings together participants from around the world to share knowledge and strategies for managing finances safely and responsibly. How...
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week: While education about drugs, alcohol, and addiction has been going on for many decades, a great deal of misinformation around the topic has continued to pervade culture, particularly among young people. The aim of this important event is to bring together teens and scientific experts, working to shatter myths about...
Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
American Chocolate Week: American Chocolate Week is a delightful celebration of one of America's most beloved treats: chocolate. This week-long event allows people to indulge their sweet tooth and explore different ways to enjoy chocolate in its many forms. From creamy milk chocolate to rich dark varieties, there's something for everyone. People take the...
National Fragrance Week: Scent has the remarkable power to shape moods and spark memories. National Fragrance Week celebrates this magic by inviting everyone to explore the world of fragrance. Throughout the week, fragrance experts share insights, and companies offer special promotions, making it the perfect time to discover new scents or deepen appreciation...
Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Understanding diverse minds, embracing unique perspectives, neurodiversity celebrates the richness of human cognition and experiences.
National Clean Out Your Closet Week: National Clean Out Your Closet Week is a fun and practical event that encourages everyone to tidy up their closets. It’s the perfect time to sort through clothes, shoes, and accessories, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. This activity not only helps you organize your space but also gives...
National Animal Poison Prevention Week: National Animal Poison Prevention Week highlights the hidden dangers our pets face from everyday household items. Many substances that seem harmless to us can be toxic for our furry friends. Things like certain plants, human medications, and even some foods can cause severe health issues if ingested by pets. This week...
National Introverts Week: Introverts often have an amazing inner world — they make great listeners and thinkers, adding depth to any conversation.
National Bubble Week: National Bubble Week celebrates the joy of bubbles, offering a lighthearted break that everyone can enjoy. This fun event showcases the mesmerizing beauty of bubbles as they drift through the air, glowing in soft colors and popping with gentle splashes! How to Celebrate National Bubble Week National Bubble Week is all about...
European-wide Action Week Against Racism: European-wide Action Week Against Racism connects communities across borders to take a clear stand against hate. It’s not just a campaign—it’s a shared effort. Schools, community groups, and everyday citizens take part. They speak out in their own way, using clear messages and public spaces to reject racism. The focus stays...
Schools Library Media Center Week: Schools Library Media Center Week highlights the invaluable role of library media centers in schools across the nation. These centers are much more than book collections; they are dynamic spaces that connect students to a world of knowledge, resources, and inspiration. Through their unique blend of traditional books and digital...
National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week: National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week is a critical event dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of inhalant abuse and accidental poisonings. During this week, communities emphasize the risks associated with everyday household items that can be abused for their fumes. Many people don’t realize that common products like...
National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...
National Button Week: National Button Week invites people to celebrate the charm and versatility of buttons. This week shines a spotlight on these small but significant items, often overlooked in daily life. Buttons play many roles, from fastening clothing to adding a touch of style or even showing a little personality. During National Button...
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Week: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Week celebrates the remarkable work of nurse practitioners who specialize in children's health. These professionals play a unique role in pediatric healthcare, providing not only routine checkups but also managing chronic conditions, guiding families, and responding to a wide range of health issues from infancy through...
Wellderly Week: Wellderly Week is a special time set aside each year to celebrate and focus on the well-being of our senior community, and is dedicated to promoting health, happiness, and the importance of staying active and engaged, regardless of age. The celebration highlights the significant role that seniors play in our society...
National Anonymous Giving Week: National Anonymous Giving Week highlights a unique form of generosity. This week, people focus on acts of kindness without the need for public praise. The idea is simple: help others without expecting thanks. Whether it’s a donation to a local charity, food for a shelter, or funds for a community...
World Folktales & Fables Week: World Folktales & Fables Week sweeps us into the timeless magic of storytelling. This week invites everyone to dive into tales that have traveled across generations and lands, from clever tricksters to brave heroes and magical creatures. Learn More About World Folktales & Fables Week These stories capture universal ideas—love, courage...
Ramadan: During this holy month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, focusing on spiritual reflection and community. Ramadan is a time for self-improvement and bringing people together in celebration of faith.