Fact 1: Spinach Day falls on July 18
There is only one day per year where we celebrate the nutritional powerhouse called spinach. July 18 is National Spinach Day, and it recognises the history and health benefits of spinach, a leafy green vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals.
Fact 2: It’s the Birthdate of Nelson Mandela
Among the notable people born on July 18, the Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela perhaps has had the most far-reaching impact. Nelson Mandela, who was a significant figure both in the apartheid fight in South Africa and in post-apartheid reconciliation efforts, was born on July 18, 1918.
Fact 3: The TaÃnos discovered Columbus, not the other way around
On July 18, 1492, TaÃno Indians, the indigenous people of the present-day Bahamas, discovered Columbus and his three ships. This encounter marked the beginning of a new era of discovery and conquest.
Fact 4: The First Photos of Machu Picchu were Taken on July 18
Before July 18, 1911, no known photographs of the stunning Inca architecture of Machu Picchu had ever been taken. It was on this day that explorer Hiram Bingham obtained the first pictures of the Inca site, which were eventually published, bringing worldwide attention to the sacred city.
Fact 5: Disneyland Opened Its Doors
The "Happiest Place on Earth" officially opened its doors on July 18, 1955. More than 6,000 invitations were sent out for the opening of Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, but over 28,000 people showed up!
Fact 6: Soviet Cosmonaut Attempts to Break Space Record
Soviet cosmonaut Alexey Leonov tried to set an endurance record by spending 26 consecutive days in orbit on July 18, 1975. However, he fell a few days short.
Fact 7: July 18 is World Listening Day
World Listening Day was established in honor of Canadian composer and environmentalist R. Murray Schafer. This global event, held every year on July 18, encourages people to listen to their environment and reflects on the ecological conditions of the world.
Fact 8: July 18 Marks the Death of Jane Austen
English literature experienced a huge loss on July 18, 1817, as the legendary author Jane Austen passed away. Her novels, such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, are still widely read and adored today.
Fact 9: This Day in 1925: Hitler Publishes Mein Kampf
Adolf Hitler's infamous book, Mein Kampf, was first published on July 18, 1925. This book, which outlined Hitler's ideologies and plans for Germany, would come to influence world history in a significant and tragic way.
Fact 10: The 'Spanish Flu' Pandemic Claimed More Lives
The deadly second wave of the Spanish Flu pandemic peaked on July 18, 1918. It had an impact globally, claiming lives indiscriminately across continents.
Fact 11: The Start of Atlanta Campaign in American Civil War
On July 18,1864, Union General William T. Sherman launches an attack on Atlanta, Georgia, a significant campaign in the American Civil War.
Fact 12: Construction Started for Panama Canal
108 years ago, on July 18, 1906, the first canal locks are installed at Gatun, marking the start of construction on one of the world’s most ambitious engineering projects, the Panama Canal.
Fact 13: First Woman to Pace Indianapolis 500
A moment in sports history happened on July 18, 1999, when Sarah Fisher became the first woman to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.
Fact 14: The U.S. Navy Launched Its First Satellite
The U.S. Navy's first satellite, The Transit 1B, was launched on July 18, 1960.
Fact 15: The Srebrenica Massacre
On July 18, 1995, news broke of Europe's worst massacre since World War II - the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia.
Fact 16: The Day of International Nelson Mandela
In 2009, the United Nations declared July 18 as "International Nelson Mandela Day". On this day, people are encouraged to spend 67 minutes helping others in honor of Mandela’s 67 years of public service.
Fact 17: Bruce Springsteen Released His Debut Album
On July 18, 1973, "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen, released his debut album, "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.", marking the start of his illustrious music career.
Fact 18: Paul McCartney Banned All Animal Products From His Concerts
A serious supporter of vegetarianism and animal rights, Paul McCartney made it known at his concert on July 18, 2002, that all animal products, including leather, would be banned from his tours.
Fact 19: Treason Act Approved by British Law
On July 18, 1541, British parliament passed the Treason Act which stated that wishing harm or endeavoring to harm the king was considered treason, punishable by death.
Fact 20: Start of The Project Apollo
On July 18, 1966, Michael Collins, John Young, and Gene Cernan were named as the prime crew for Project Apollo, one small move in the giant leap for mankind which landed humans on the moon just a few years later.