1. On February 18, 1930, Elmira, New York native Eileen Collins was born. She later became the first female American astronaut to pilot a spacecraft, and also was the first woman to command a space shuttle mission.

2. In 2015, on February 18, Jay Z purchased a music streaming company called Aspiro for the sum of $56 million. This acquisition allowed Jay Z to launch his own music streaming service, Tidal.

3. On February 18, 1965, three civil rights activists were arrested in Selma, Alabama for trying to register black voters. The resulting events led to the Selma-to-Montgomery marches and helped lead to the passage of the Civil Rights Act.

4. In 2001, on February 18, Dale Earnhardt, a legendary NASCAR driver, died in a crash during the Daytona 500 race. Earnhardt, who had won 76 races and seven championships during his career, was beloved by racing fans across the country.

5. On February 18, 1861, a speech was given at Cooper Union in New York City that helped catapult a relatively unknown politician from Illinois to become the 16th President of the United States. The speech was given by Abraham Lincoln, and helped convince many Americans of his fitness for the presidency.