1. On November 18, 1889, Washington became the 42nd state of the United States. After years of territorial status, the people of Washington Territory were finally granted statehood.

2. In 1928, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge opened to the public on November 18. However, due to design flaws, the bridge famously collapsed just four months later in what became known as the "Galloping Gertie" disaster.

3. On November 18, 1962, the Seattle World's Fair officially ended its six-month run. The fair introduced the Space Needle to the world and showcased other innovations of the time.

4. In 1985, Mount St. Helens in southwest Washington erupted on November 18, marking the first significant activity at the volcano since its devastating eruption in 1980.

5. On November 18, 2000, Seattle-born Bill Gates and his wife Melinda announced a $100 million donation to create the Gates Cambridge Scholarship program, aimed at sending talented students from around the world to study at the University of Cambridge in England.