1. On July 18, 1849, the Mississippi legislature created the position of state geologist, making it the first state in the South to have a geologist as a government position. The first state geologist, Dr. Eugene W. Hilgard, played a significant role in the development of Mississippi's agricultural industry by introducing new methods of soil analysis.

2. The first Mississippi Summer Festival was held on July 18, 1957, in Greenwood. The festival celebrated Mississippi's cultural heritage, showcasing the state's food, music, and tradition. Over the years, the festival has grown to become one of the largest summer festivals in the South, attracting visitors from all over the country.

3. On July 18, 1863, Union forces under General William T. Sherman attacked Confederate forces in Jackson during the American Civil War. The battle resulted in a Union victory, with Confederate forces retreating from Jackson. The battle had a significant impact on the war, as it helped pave the way for the Union's eventual capture of Vicksburg.

4. In 1983, Mississippi's first black Supreme Court justice, Reuben Anderson, was sworn in on July 18. Anderson served on the court for over 16 years and was recognized for his commitment to justice and equality.

5. On July 18, 2019, the U.S. Justice Department announced indictments against 16 Mississippi poultry processing plants for employing undocumented workers. The indictments came after the largest workplace immigration raid in U.S. history, with ICE arresting over 680 workers at the plants. The indictments focused on the use of fraudulent employment documents and the exploitation of vulnerable workers in the poultry industry.