1. On October 18, 1859, abolitionist John Brown led a raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in Virginia (now West Virginia), which is located just south of the Maryland border. Brown's goal was to spark a slave uprising, but he and his followers were eventually captured.

2. On October 18, 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis began which caused many changes in the state of Maryland due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. and its military installations. The crisis heightened tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union and brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.

3. On October 18, 1977, Major League Baseball player Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in Game 6 of the World Series, leading the New York Yankees to victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jackson's performance earned him the nickname "Mr. October" and cemented his place in baseball history.

4. On October 18, 2007, a gunman opened fire at a high school in West Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, killing five girls before taking his own life. The tragedy sent shockwaves throughout the region, including in neighboring Maryland.

5. On October 18, 2008, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-13 in an NFL game played at Dolphin Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Ravens were led by quarterback Joe Flacco, who threw for two touchdowns in the victory.