17th February
1864 - The first successful submarine torpedo attack takes place in Charleston Harbour. However, the force of the explosion is so great that the submarine itself is also blown up, killing everyone on board.
1883 - The vacant/engaged sign for toilet doors is patented.
1920 - Police are told they can trade in their horses for cars.
1929 - The first in-flight movie is shown on a flight from St. Paul to Chicago.
1963 - Basketball player and star of the film "Space Jam" Michael Jordan is born.
2001 - Pope John Paul II is considering allocating a patron saint of internet users and computer programmers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article