July 17

Friday 17, 1998:

Biologists report in the journal Science how they sequenced the genome of the bacterium that causes syphilis, Treponema pallidum.

Tuesday 17, 1979:

Nicaraguan president General Anastasio Somoza Debayle resigns and flees to Miami.

Monday 17, 1815:

Napoleonic Wars: In France, Napoleon surrenders at Rochefort, Charente-Maritime to British forces.

Wednesday 17, 1771:

Massacre at Bloody Falls: Chipewyan chief Matonabbee traveling as the guide to Samuel Hearne on his arctic overland journey, massacre a group of unsuspecting Inuit.

Saturday 17, 1762:

Catherine II becomes tzar of Russia upon the murder of Peter III of Russia.