1957The United States successfully test-fires the Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time. Initially designed to carry a nuclear warhead, the Atlas later boosts an America's space program into orbit. 1830Simón Bolívar, the South American patriot to lead revolutions against Spain's colonial rule , dies in Columbia. 1969Before reality TV, there was Tiny Tim- the singer marries his fiancée- Miss Vicky on NBC's "Tonight Show" – and the event seen by 50,000,000 viewers.

Today in History, December 17th. Mike Gracia, the Associated Press.