1. On July 18, 1867, the University of Nebraska was established in Lincoln as the first public university in the state. Today, the University of Nebraska system includes four campuses and is a major contributor to the state's economy.

2. In 1925, the first experimental television broadcast in Nebraska was made on July 18th by station WAAK in Lincoln. The station was later purchased by WOW-TV, which went on to become the state's first commercial television station.

3. On July 18, 1969, Nebraska became the first state to ratify the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. The amendment was ratified by a total of 38 states and became law in 1971.

4. In 1998, the CHI Health Center Omaha (formerly known as the Qwest Center) opened its doors for the first time on July 18. The new arena replaced the outdated Omaha Civic Auditorium and has since hosted a wide range of events, including concerts, sports games, and conventions.

5. July 18, 1979, was a historic day for Omaha's music scene when Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played their first ever show in Nebraska at the old Civic Auditorium. The concert was part of Springsteen's "Darkness on the Edge of Town" tour and was met with rave reviews from local fans.