May 17th
- 1811 – W. B. Belknap born.
- 1818 – John Watkins Crockett born.
- 1845 – Oliver Hazard Perry Anderson died, aged 31.
- 1875 – John C. Breckinridge died, aged 54.
- 1875 – Aristides won the 1st Kentucky Derby.
- 1881 – Hindoo won the 7th Kentucky Derby.
- 1932 – Gus Meade born.
- 1965 – Pat O'Brien born.
- 2012 – James Doss died, aged ~73.
