1. On September 18, 1922, blues singer and guitarist B.B. King was born in Berclair, Mississippi. King, nicknamed the "King of the Blues," became one of the most influential and celebrated musicians of the 20th century, and his career spanned several decades. He passed away in 2015, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

2. In 1964, on September 18, the University of Mississippi became the first university in the state to integrate African American students into its student body. James Meredith, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, enrolled as a student after a long legal battle and violent protests. Meredith's enrollment marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, and his courage and determination are still remembered and celebrated today.

3. On September 18, 1906, the town of Tupelo, Mississippi was incorporated. Today, Tupelo is known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and thousands of fans from around the world visit annually to tour his birthplace and other sites associated with the King of Rock and Roll.

4. The Mississippi State Fair, one of the largest and most popular fairs in the South, begins its annual run on or around September 18. The fair, which has been held almost every year since 1859, features a wide range of attractions and events, including carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, and live music.

5. On September 18, 1845, the Mississippi River flooded in one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, inundating towns and cities across the Mississippi Valley. The flood, which lasted for months, caused widespread destruction and displacement, and is estimated to have killed thousands of people. Despite the immense tragedy of the event, it prompted the U.S. government to take action to improve flood control measures along the Mississippi River, helping to prevent similar disasters in the future.