Today in History graphic for August 18 featuring women's suffrage and the 19th Amendment, Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock, and basketball legend Larry Bird.

August 18 in History: Women Win the Vote, Jimi Hendrix Closes Woodstock & Larry Bird Retires

Scott Winters August 18, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on August 18 in history as historic breakthroughs, scientific discoveries, cultural milestones, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.

What Happened on August 18 in History?

On this day, Tennessee provided the final state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment, Jimi Hendrix’s legendary performance brought Woodstock to a close, and Larry Bird announced his retirement after 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics.

AUGUST 18 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1587 – Virginia Dare was born on Roanoke Island in present-day North Carolina. She was the first child born in an English colony in the Americas to English parents.

1868 – French astronomer Pierre Janssen discovered evidence of helium while observing a solar eclipse. The element was detected in the Sun before it was discovered on Earth.

1894 – Congress established the Bureau of Immigration.

1916 – Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace near Hodgenville, KY, was transferred to the federal government and established as a national memorial.

1920 – Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, providing the final state needed for ratification and guaranteeing women the constitutional right to vote.

1933 – Notorious gangster Baby Face Nelson robbed his first bank in Grand Haven, MI.

1937 – The first FM radio construction permit was issued in Boston, MA. The station went on the air two years later.

1969 – Jimi Hendrix performed his rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” and brought Woodstock to a close.

1977 – Funeral services for Elvis Presley were held at Graceland in Memphis, TN. About 150 mourners attended the private service while tens of thousands of fans gathered outside. Presley was later reburied at Graceland next to his mother.

1982 – The volume on the New York Stock Exchange topped the 100-million level for the first time (132.69 million shares traded).

1982 – The longest baseball game in Wrigley Field history ended after 21 innings, with the Los Angeles Dodgers defeating the Chicago Cubs 2-1.

1992 – Larry Bird, after 13 years with the Boston Celtics, announced his retirement.

1997 – Beth Ann Hogan became the first female cadet in the 158-year history of the Virginia Military Institute.

1997 – Patrick Swayze received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2004 – Donald Trump unveiled his board game (TRUMP the Game) where players bid on real estate, buy big ticket items and make billion-dollar business deals.

2020 – Microsoft released a new generation of its long-running Microsoft Flight Simulator series for Windows PCs.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 18:

Maxine Brown – 87 years old (1939) – Soul/R&B singer-songwriter

Henry G. Sanders – 84 years old (1942) – Actor

Elayne Boosler – 74 years old (1952) – Actress, director, and screenwriter

Louie Gohmert – 73 years old (1953) – Captain, lawyer, and politician

Bruce Benedict – 71 years old (1955) – Baseball player and coach

Taher Elgamal – 71 years old (1955) – Egyptian-American cryptographer

John Debney – 70 years old (1956) – Composer and conductor

Jon Schwartz – 70 years old (1956) – Drummer and producer

Kelly Willard – 70 years old (1956) – Singer-songwriter

Denis Leary – 69 years old (1957) – Comedian, actor, producer, and screenwriter

Madeleine Stowe – 68 years old (1958) – Actress

Tom Prichard – 67 years old (1959) – Wrestler and trainer

Mike LaValliere – 66 years old (1960) – Baseball player

Fat Lever – 66 years old (1960) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Timothy Geithner – 65 years old (1961) – Banker and politician, 75th United States Secretary of the Treasury

Bob Woodruff – 65 years old (1961) – Journalist and author

Adam Storke – 64 years old (1962) – Actor

Craig Bierko – 62 years old (1964) – Actor and singer

Kenny Walker – 62 years old (1964) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Brian Michael Bendis – 59 years old (1967) – Author and illustrator

Everlast – 57 years old (1969) – Singer, rapper, and musician

Masta Killa – 57 years old (1969) – Rapper

Edward Norton – 57 years old (1969) – Actor

Christian Slater – 57 years old (1969) – Actor and producer

Jason Furman – 56 years old (1970) – Economist and politician

Nicole Krauss – 52 years old (1974) – Novelist and critic

Kaitlin Olson – 51 years old (1975) – Actress and comedian

Andy Samberg – 48 years old (1978) – Actor and comedian

Bart Scott – 46 years old (1980) – Football player

Jeremy Shockey – 46 years old (1980) – Football player

Evan Gattis – 40 years old (1986) – Baseball player

Justin Wilson – 39 years old (1987) – Baseball player

Anna Akana – 37 years old (1989) – Actress, comedian, musician, and YouTuber

Elizabeth Beisel – 34 years old (1992) – Swimmer

Frances Bean Cobain – 34 years old (1992) – Visual artist and model

Madelaine Petsch – 32 years old (1994) – Actress and YouTuber

Parker McKenna Posey – 31 years old (1995) – Actress

Clairo – 28 years old (1998) – Singer-songwriter

Nick Fuentes – 28 years old (1998) – Far-right political commentator

Cassius Stanley – 27 years old (1999) – Basketball player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR AUGUST 18:

National Couple’s Day: When two people come together, they create a unique bond that can conquer any challenge, adventure, or romantic moment.
National Fajita Day: Imagine sizzling hot peppers and onions mixed with juicy seasoned meat, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla - delicious!
National Ice Cream Pie Day: A delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion — sweet and creamy, with a crunchy crust that will leave you wanting more!
National Pinot Noir Day: Gather friends and family for a wine-tasting affair, perhaps with a selection from different regions like Bergundy, France and the Willamette Valley, Oregon.
Serendipity Day: Life's unexpected twists often lead to the best moments, those happy accidents that bring smiles and make stories worth telling.
National Bad Poetry Day: Put aside your self-consciousness and create some bad poetry –on purpose. Read others’ horrendous rhymes, and get creative about making something awful.
Never Give Up Day: Cultivate a mindset of never giving up, and support others who are still working hard to reach their goals, whether achievable tasks or lofty dreams.
Solidarity Day in Chile: Solidarity Day in Chile is a powerful reminder of the collective strength found in unity. It brings together people from all walks of life to support those in need, putting into perspective the importance of compassion and community. It encourages everyone to act, no matter how small the gesture. Each...
National Mail Order Catalog Day: Sign up for some mail order catalogues, and update your wardrobe, household, even backyard and furniture all from the comfort of your couch, in your pajamas.
International Delivery Driver Appreciation Day : Forget putting delivery items in a car that can get stuck in traffic for long stretches of time! Instead, people in urban areas can benefit from the use of bicycle delivery riders who can make it quickly and efficiently to their destination – and in an earth-friendly manner. International Delivery Driver...
Bullying No Way Week: Bullying No Way Week unites Australian schools, students, and families in tackling bullying together. This annual event urges young people to recognize bullying, understand its effects, and learn how to act against it. How to Observe Bullying No Way Week Here are some creative ways to observe Bullying No Way Week. These...
World Breast Cancer Research Day: World Breast Cancer Research Day begins with a clear mission: to honor and boost the people behind scientific breakthroughs that save lives. This annual day brings attention to the researchers, doctors, and advocates working to understand and defeat breast cancer. It emphasizes raising funds for life-changing projects. The event highlights that...
Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...