1. In 1862, Confederate General Braxton Bragg set up camp in Frankfort, Kentucky following the Battle of Perryville. It was the only time during the Civil War that a Confederate force occupied the state capital.

2. In 1923, the first football game was played in the newly constructed Memorial Coliseum at the University of Kentucky. The Wildcats defeated the Georgetown Tigers 20-0 in front of a crowd of over 10,000 spectators.

3. The Kentucky Opera made its debut on October 18, 1952 with a production of Puccini's "La Bohème" at the Memorial Auditorium in Louisville. The company is still active today and hosts multiple productions each season.

4. On this date in 1989, the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team hosted the Australian National team in an exhibition game at Rupp Arena. The Wildcats won 99-87 in what was a rare matchup against an international opponent.

5. In 2008, Michelle Obama visited Louisville on October 18 as part of her husband's presidential campaign. She held a rally at the Louisville Gardens and spoke to a crowd of thousands about issues such as health care and education.