On September 17, 1787 the U.S. Constitution was signed by most delegates in Philadelphia.

The deadliest single day battle of the American Civil War occurred on September 17, 1862 at the Battle of Antietam. Image: “A Lonely Grave” Antietam, September 1862 by Alexander Gardner via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

James Forrestal became the first U.S. Secretary of Defense on September 17, 1947. Image of James Forrestal at his desk via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On September 17, 1849, Harriet Tubman (with her two brothers) escaped from slavery for a short time. It’s believed that her brothers may have urged Harriet to return to their families who were still enslaved. About a month later Harriet escaped again, this time without her brothers, and eventually reached Philadelphia in safety. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Hank Williams, called “The King of Country Music” was born on September 17, 1923. Williams wrote and sang such timeless hits as “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “Jambayala,” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” before his death at 29. His musical legacy is continued by his son, Hank Williams, Jr. Image via Wikimedia Commons, no known copyright, public domain in the US

Bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin inaugurated September 17, 1856 in Boston. via New York Public Library Digital Collections, public domain

On September 17, 1972 M*A*S*H premiered on CBS Television. Image of cast members from M*A*S*H in 1973 by Harry Chase, Los Angeles Times via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY SA 4.0

American actor John Ritter was born on September 17, 1948 in Burbank, California. Image of John Ritter as Jack Tripper on Three’s Company in 1977 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Shortly after the liberation of Lure, civilians crowd around these U.S. soldiers of the 3rd Div. on September 17, 1944 Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On today’s date September 17, 1937 The face of Abraham Lincoln was dedicated at Mt. Rushmore. Photo: Scott Catron (User: Zaui) • CC BY 2.5 Wiki Commons