A view of the State House in Philadelphia in 1778

On June 18, 1778, the British vacated Philadelphia.
Less than a week later Continental Congress returned to the city.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

The handwritten page, on the left, echoes the intellectual scaffolding of Alexander Hamilton’s own draft notes from the Constitutional Convention, particularly the document preserved by the Library of Congress, where he methodically laid out the structural failures of the Articles of Confederation. Much like Hamilton’s original outline, this page—marked “COPIED”—highlights the Confederation’s lack of executive power, ineffective taxation, and its inability to manage national defense or foreign policy. Phrases such as “power of heads, without power of execution” mirror Hamilton’s frustration with a paralyzed central authority. These notes may be a paraphrase or imitation, capturing the urgency that Hamilton crystallized in his landmark six-hour speech delivered on June 18, 1787. Though considered radical—especially his call for lifetime appointments and federally appointed state governors—Hamilton’s vision helped reframe the debate toward a bolder federal structure. Viewed alongside his original notes, this page doesn’t just reflect critique; it testifies to how revolutionary ideas rippled beyond the walls of Independence Hall.

Images via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Susan B. Anthony at desk in 1905

On June 18, 1873, Susan B. Anthony received a $100 fine for voting in the Presidential election the year prior.

She never paid the fine.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Declaration of War with Great Britain – War of 1812

Signed by James Madison on June 18, 1812

via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, group shot (cropped) in Hyde Park, New York during the wedding of Theodore Douglas Robinson and Helen Rebecca Roosevelt

June 18, 1904

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

The world’s first international peace park, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park was established on June 18, 1932.

The connection of Alberta Highway 6 and ​Montana Highway 17 is the only road border crossing in the peace park which is over 1,700 square miles in size.

Image from Martin Kraft • CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space.

Image: Sally Ride in 1979 by NASA/Glenn Research Center, public domain via Wikimedia Commons

The Great American Derby, Chicago, June 18, 1904.

via Library of Congress, no known restrictions

After serving with the D.C. National Guard during the Spanish-American War, Benjamin O. Davis enlisted as a private with the 9th Cavalry Regiment of The U.S. Army on June 18, 1899.

Davis continued his service during the Philippine-American War, WWI and WWII.

Image of Brigadier Army General Benjamin O. Davis Sr. in 1945 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

6 foot, 10 inch pro basketball center, George Mikan, was born on June 18, 1924 in Joliet, Illinois. During the late 1940s to mid 1950s he played with the Minnesota Lakers before the franchise was moved to Los Angeles.
George was also the first NBA player to score 10,000 points in a career.

Image: Mikan shooting the basketball against the Harlem Globetrotters in 1948 from MelanieWarner via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY SA 4.0

Born June 18, 1896 Blanche Sweet (yep, her real name) was under contract to Biograph Studios, and was making silent films by 14. A contemporary (well, rival) of Mary Pickford and a favorite of director D.W. Griffith, Blanche’s career did not survive the transition to sound. 156 of the 161 films she made were silent, many presumed lost.

Image from LOC via Wikimedia Commons, public domain in the US.

On June 18, 1977, “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac became the #1 song in America.

Image of Fleetwood Mac in 1977 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain in the US.

On June 18, 1818, William Clark and Auguste Chouteau (founder of St. Louis, Missouri)
representing the United States made a peace treaty with the Pawnee.

Images of William Clark and Auguste Chouteau via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

American artist James Montgomery Flagg was born on June 18, 1877 in Pelham Manor, New York.

One of his most famous works was the “I Want YOU…” poster featuring Uncle Sam.

Image: James Montgomery Flagg, appointed “official artist” in New York State by Governor Whitman, 1917 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

American actress and singer Jeanette MacDonald was born in Philadelphia, PA on June 18, 1903.

During WWII MacDonald raised money from her concerts to support American relief efforts.

Image: MacDonald dressed in an American Women’s Volunteer Service uniform via Wikimedia Commons, public domain