November 17: Fun Facts about Today in History

(November 17, 1800)
The United States Congress met for the first time in Washington, D.C. photo source: wikimedia.org

(November 17, 1869)
The Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, is opened in Egypt. photo source: wikimedia.org

(November 17, 1871)
New York state granted the National Rifle Association a charter; the NRA's founding mission was to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific foundation," and it later became a strong proponent of gun rights. photo source: wikimedia.org

(November 17, 2003)
Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, an Austrian-born American bodybuilder and film actor, was elected governor of California in 2003 following the recall of the incumbent governor. photo source: wikimedia.org

(November 17, 2014)
Females can now be ordained as bishops in the Church of England, according to legislation passed in the UK. photo source: wikimedia.org