18 May

1980 - Mount St. Helens eruption

On 18 May 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington State.

1804 - Napoleon proclaimed Emperor

On 18 May 1804, the Senate proclaimed Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor of the French.

1652 - First law against slavery

On 18 May 1652, Rhode Island passed the first law in the English colonies restricting slavery.