1. In 1896, the Louisiana Exposition was opened in New Orleans, showcasing the state's cultural and industrial achievements. The event attracted over one million visitors and was considered a huge success.

2. On November 18, 2004, Hurricane Ivan made landfall on the Louisiana coast, causing extensive damage and flooding. The storm was responsible for at least 14 deaths in Louisiana and caused millions of dollars in damage.

3. Civil rights activist and leader Oretha Castle Haley was born in New Orleans on November 18, 1937. She played a key role in the civil rights movement and was instrumental in the desegregation of New Orleans public schools.

4. In 1901, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition was held in St. Louis, Missouri, celebrating the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase. Louisiana was heavily involved in the event, showcasing its resources and culture to the rest of the country.

5. Louisiana's first elected governor, William C.C. Claiborne, took office on November 18, 1812. Claiborne played a significant role in Louisiana's early history, overseeing the transition from a Spanish colony to an American territory.