Today in History — April 17: Bay of Pigs, Apollo 13, Benjamin Franklin and More

Today in History — April 17

Every date in history tells a story. Here is a look at some of the biggest events, notable births, and famous deaths that happened on April 17 throughout the years.

Major Historical Events on April 17

In 1961 the Bay of Pigs invasion began — a failed attempt by U.S.-backed Cuban exiles to overthrow Fidel Castro’s government in Cuba. Facts.net

In 1970 Apollo 13 astronauts James Lovell, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean, four days after a ruptured oxygen tank crippled their spacecraft while en route to the moon seMissourian — one of NASA’s most dramatic rescues in history.

In 1972 the Boston Marathon allowed women to compete for the first time. Nina Kuscsik became the first officially recognized women’s champion with a time of 3:10:26. seMissourian

In 1975 Cambodia’s five-year civil war ended as the capital Phnom Penh fell to the Khmer Rouge, which instituted brutal policies that claimed an estimated 1.7 million lives — nearly one in four Cambodians — until the regime was overthrown in 1979. seMissourian

In 2014 the South Korean ferry MV Sewol capsized and sank, resulting in the deaths of 304 people, mostly high school students. Facts.net

Notable Births on April 17

Today’s birthdays include actor Sean Bean, who turns 66, singer Victoria Beckham who turns 51, actor Jennifer Garner who turns 53, and actor Rooney Mara who turns 40. seMissourian

Notable Deaths on April 17

On April 17, 1790, American statesman, scientist, printer and writer Benjamin Franklin died in Philadelphia at the age of 84. HISTORY

Colombian novelist Gabriel García Márquez, author of One Hundred Years of Solitude, died on this date in 2014 at the age of 87 in Mexico City. The Fact Site.

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