On this day: August 17

POSTED: 08:14 PM PDT Aug 16, 2012    UPDATED: 11:00 PM PDT Aug 16, 2012 

Davy Crockett is born, George Orwell publishes his classic novel, the Berlin Wall claims its first victim, Bill Clinton admits to an "improper physical relationship" and Michael Phelps sets a new Olympic mark, all on this day.

OTD August 17 - Izmit earthquake
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United States Geological Survey

1999: A 7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes Izmit, Turkey, killing more than 17,000 and injuring 44,000.

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