1. May 17, 1804: Georgia approves a law authorizing the creation of several new counties in the western part of the state. These counties included Coweta, Habersham, Hall, Walton, Franklin, and Wilkinson, among others. This law helped to increase the population of the state and spread settlement further westward.

2. May 17, 1861: The Georgia General Assembly votes to join the Confederate States of America, becoming the fifth state to secede from the Union. This decision would have severe consequences over the next several years, as Georgia played a major role in the Civil War and suffered greatly as a result.

3. May 17, 1945: Augusta National Golf Club, home of the annual Masters Tournament, is purchased by a group of investors led by professional golfer Bobby Jones. The club would become one of the most prestigious and exclusive clubs in the world, known for its famous members and beautiful golf course.

4. May 17, 1967: The University of Georgia desegregates its dormitories, allowing African American students to live on campus. This was an important step towards greater racial equality in the state and helped to pave the way for future civil rights advancements.

5. May 17, 2004: The Georgia state flag is changed for the third time in 50 years. The new flag features the Georgia state seal on a blue background, replacing the controversial Confederate battle emblem that had been a part of the flag since 1956. This change was seen as a positive step towards inclusivity and representation for all Georgians.