1. On February 17, 1814, a treaty was signed between the United States and the Creek Nation, in which the Creeks ceded their lands in Georgia and Alabama to the US government. This was significant in the history of Georgia, as it paved the way for white settlement and expansion into these territories.

2. In 1870, on February 17, Georgia ratified the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted voting rights to African American men. This was a significant step towards the greater political enfranchisement of people of color in the state.

3. February 17, 1902 saw the birth of Ruth Terry, a Georgia-born actress best known for her roles in films such as "Broadway Melody of 1936" and "Follow the Fleet". She was a prolific performer throughout the 1930s and 1940s, and her work remains an important part of the history of Hollywood.

4. On February 17, 1998, a tornado struck the city of Milledgeville, Georgia, causing widespread damage and killing two people. The storm was part of a larger outbreak of tornadoes that swept through the southeastern United States that week, and was a tragic reminder of the dangers of severe weather.

5. Finally, February 17, 2010 saw the death of former Georgia state senator Robert Brown, who served in the legislature from 1991 to 2007. During his time in office, Brown was known for his advocacy of higher education and his commitment to fighting poverty and inequality in the state. His legacy lives on through the many people he inspired and impacted during his career.