Reading of the Declaration of Independence from the Old State House in Boston on July 18, 1776 By Tichnor Bros. Inc., Boston, Mass. • Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Cleveland, Ohio’sdelegation, clad in colonial dress, marches proudly through Philadelphia on July 18, 1907, during the Elks Grand Lodge Parade—a spectacle of fraternal pageantry and patriotic celebration. With tri-corner hats and powdered wigs, they paid homage to Revolutionary heritage in the very city where independence was declared. Thousands lined Broad Street as delegations from across the nation transformed the parade into a living tribute to American history, civic pride, and the enduring ideals of unity and brotherhood. Imagevia Wikimedia Commons, public domain

July 18, 1863 – The Union Army’s 54th Massachusetts Infantry, a unit of Black troops led by White officers, spearheads an attack on Confederate Fort Wagner, Morris Island, SC. As depicted in the film “Glory” the assault failed despite a valiant and costly effort by the 54th and other Union units. Image via Wikipedia Commons, public domain in the US

According to the caption on the back of this photo: “General Sherman and his staff taken on July 18, 1864, on the lines before Atlanta, GA.” Image via The J. Paul Getty Museum, no known restrictions

Image of Annie and John Glenn from 1965. John Glenn (the first American to orbit the earth) was born on July 18, 1921 in Cambridge, Ohio. The couple was married for more than 73 years (1943-2016) Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Margaret “Unsinkable Molly” Brownwas born on July 18, 1867 in Hannibal, Missouri. After surviving the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, she lived another 20 years into her 60s.

Mildred Norman was born July 18, 1908 on a poultry farm in Egg Harbor City, NJ (of course). On January 1, 1953 she adopted the name “Peace Pilgrim” and began walking throughout the US spreading messages about peace, spirituality, and a vegetarian diet. Her pilgrimage lasted 28 years and over 25,000 miles. Image by Benick at English Wikipedia, CCA-SA 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic.

Gold and silver mining, Colorado – a honey-combed mountain. From Harper’s Weekly dated July 18, 1874 via LOC, no known restrictions.

General of the Armies John J. Pershing lies in state in the rotunda of the Capitol, Sunday, July 18, 1948 Guarded by a guard of honor at rigid attention the remains of General Pershing lie in state in the Nation’s Capitol where thousands may pay their respects.

American philosopher, historian and scientist, Thomas Kuhn, was born on July 18, 1922 in Cincinnati, Ohio. In his book “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions” he introduced the famous term “paradigm shift.” In the same bookhe references this famous duck or rabbit image from 1899 and how our perceptions shift. So what do you think, duckor rabbit? Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Red Skelton at St. Petersburg College in Florida in 1978 On July 18, 1913, Red Skelton was born in Vincennes, Indiana. Image from St. Petersburg Times via Wikimedia Commons, no known restrictions

American actor James Brolin was born on July 18, 1940 in Los Angeles, California. In the early 1980s Brolin did screen tests as 007 for a James Bond movie, but never appeared in the film after Roger Moore decided to reprise the role. Image of James and his son Josh Supplied By Globe Photos, Inc/Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.com via Alamy

An American soldier near Saint-Lô, France in July 1944 On July 18, 1944 in the aftermath of D-Day, American forces gained access to the strategically located city following heavy fighting against stiff German resistance.

Private Oscar Desrosiers of Company D, 104th Infantry, 26th Division, hero of Château-Thierryhaving been wounded nine times in that battle besides losing his right eye, leaving debarkation hospital in New York City. On July 18, 1918,theBattle ofChâteau-Thierry took place in France.

Lupe Vélez, born María Guadalupe Villalobos Vélez on July 18, 1908 in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, blazed into Hollywood like a comet—fiery, fearless, and unforgettable. From silent films to screwball comedies, she shattered stereotypes and stole scenes with her volcanic charm, becoming one of the first Latina actresses to conquer American cinema. Dubbed the “Mexican Spitfire,” Vélez turned accent and attitude into art, navigating fame, heartbreak, and the studio system with raw intensity. She lived between borders—geographic, cultural, and emotional. Though she married American icon Johnny Weissmuller in 1933, citizenship no longer came with a wedding ring. Yet Vélez belonged to the American screen as fiercely as any star. Her life was a dance of duality—Latina and leading lady, outsider and icon. In an era that rarely made room for women like her, she carved space with fire, wit, and unforgettable presence. Her legacy is not defined by paperwork, but by the indelible mark she left on cinema and the hearts of those who saw her shine. Image of Lupe Vélez & Johnny Weissmüller after their wedding in 1933 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Nicholas Earp and his wife, Virginia who were the parents of Union Army Veteran and U.S. Marshal Virgil Earp (brother of Wyatt) who was born on July 18, 1843 in Hartford, Kentucky.

Lion At The New York Zoological Park – July 18, 1910 Image: The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library.