1. The Battle of Gettysburg officially ends (1863): On July 18, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg, which had raged for three days, officially came to an end. The Union army had emerged victorious, dealing a blow to the Confederate army and cementing its status as a turning point in the American Civil War.

2. Pennsylvania becomes a state (1787): Pennsylvania was one of the original 13 colonies that formed the United States, but it didn't become a state until July 18, 1787. Its statehood was part of the process of ratifying the new U.S. Constitution, which established the framework for the country's government.

3. The first public zoo in the United States opens in Philadelphia (1874): On July 18, 1874, the first public zoo in the United States opened in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Zoo quickly became a popular tourist attraction and a model for other cities looking to establish their own zoos.

4. John Cappelletti wins the Heisman Trophy (1973): In 1973, Penn State running back John Cappelletti became the first and only player in school history to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Cappelletti rushed for over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns that season, and his emotional acceptance speech is still remembered today.

5. The Liberty Bell moves to Independence Hall (1951): On July 18, 1951, the iconic Liberty Bell was moved from its previous home in Independence Hall to a new pavilion located just outside the building. The move was a major logistical undertaking, requiring the construction of a special rail system and the use of a crane to lift the bell into its new location.