On This Day in History June 17, 2020

Historical Events 656  Ali ibn Abu Talib elected the 4th Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate 1579  English navigator Francis Drake lands on the coast of California at Drakes Bay, names it "New Albion" 1631  Mumtaz Mahal dies during childbirth. Her husband, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan I, then spends more than 20 years building her tomb, the Taj Mahal 1789  French Revolution: During the meeting of the Estates-General, the Third Estate proclaims itself the 'National Assembly' 1837  Charles Goodyear obtains his 1st rubber patent 1856  Republican Party opens its 1st national convention in Philadelphia More Historical Events Famous Birthdays Edward I (1239 - 1307) James Weldon Johnson (1871 - 1938) Tommy Burns (1881 - 1955) Venus Williams 40th Birthday More Famous Birthdays Famous Deaths Maxwell Perkins (1884 - 1947) Rodney King (1965 - 2012) More Famous Deaths