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March 18 in History: American Express Founded, Electric Razor Introduced, and the Largest Art Heist in History

Scott Winters March 18, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on March 18 in history, along with notable celebrity birthdays and fun Days of the Year to celebrate.

What Happened on March 18 in History?

Important events on this day include Henry Wells and William Fargo founding American Express, the first electric razor going on sale, and the largest art robbery in history taking place in Boston.

MARCH 18 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1813 – David Melville received a patent for the gas streetlight.

1818 – Congress approved the first pensions for government service.

1834 – The first railroad tunnel in the U.S. was completed in Pennsylvania.

1837 – The University of Michigan prepared to move to Ann Arbor from Detroit.

1852 – Henry Wells & William Fargo founded American Express.

1881 – Barnum and Bailey’s “Greatest Show on Earth” opened in Madison Square Gardens in New York, NY.

1899 – Phoebe, a moon of the planet Saturn, was discovered.

1910 – The first American horror movie was patented. It was a one-reel Edison Studio production of Frankenstein.

1911 – Theodore Roosevelt opened the Roosevelt Dam in Arizona. It was the largest dam in the U.S. at the time.

1911 – North Dakota enacted a hail insurance law.

1931 – Schick Inc. began marketing the first electric razor.

1933 – The Studebaker car company ran out of money and entered receivership.

1942 – The third military draft began in the U.S. because of World War II.

1945 – Maurice “Rocket” Richard became the first National Hockey League (NHL) player to score 50 goals.

1949 – The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was ratified.

1952 – In Philadelphia, PA, the first plastic lenses were fitted for a cataract patient.

1954 – RKO Pictures was sold for $23,489,478 to Howard Hughes. It became the first motion picture studio to be owned by an individual.

1959 – President Dwight Eisenhower signed the Hawaii statehood bill.

1963 – The Supreme Court handed down the Miranda decision concerning legal council for defendants.

1966 – The Scott Paper Company began selling paper dresses for $1.

1968 – Congress repealed the requirement for a gold reserve to back U.S. currency.

1970 – The U.S. Postal Service experienced their first postal strike.

1970 – Wilson was selected to be the official football and official time scoreboard of the NFL.

1970 – The NFL adopted a rule that required all players names to appear on the back of their jerseys.

1981 – The U.S. disclosed that there were biological weapons tested in Texas in 1966.

1981 – The TV show “The Greatest American Hero” premiered as a two-hour pilot movie, starring William Katt as teacher Ralph Hinkley.

1982 – Channel 17 in Grand Rapids came on the air as WWMA. About a year later the call letters were changed to WXMI.

1986 – The Treasury Department announced that a clear, polyester thread was to be woven into bills in an effort to thwart counterfeiters.

1987 – The U.S. performed nuclear tests at a Nevada test site.

1989 – A 4,400-year-old mummy was discovered at the Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt.

1990 – Thirteen paintings, collectively worth around $300 million, were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, MA. It was the largest art robbery in history.

1990 – The 32-day lockout of baseball players ended.

1992 – Leona Hemsly was sentenced to 4 years in prison for tax evasion.

1992 – Donna Summer received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1994 – Zsa Zsa Gabor filed for bankruptcy.

2000 – The U.S. Postal Service issued a 20-cent stamped postcard that featured the historic Ryman Auditorium, the home of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 30 years.

2010 – Dennis Hopper received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He died two months later from prostate cancer.

2020 – A man in his 50s died at Beaumont Hospital in Wayne County, becoming Michigan’s first death tied to the coronavirus. On the same day, the U.S.-Canadian border closed for non-essential travel and automakers shut down all North American plants as a precaution.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MARCH 18:

John Kander – 99 years old (1927) – Pianist and composer

Carl Gottlieb – 88 years old (1938) – Actor and screenwriter

Jeff Mullins – 84 years old (1942) – Basketball player and coach

James Conlon – 76 years old (1950) – Conductor and educator

Brad Dourif – 76 years old (1950) – Actor

Ben Cohen – 75 years old (1951) – Businessman and philanthropist, co-founded Ben and Jerry's

Bill Frisell – 75 years old (1951) – Guitarist and composer

Timothy N. Philpot – 75 years old (1951) – Lawyer, author, and judge

Will Durst – 74 years old (1952) – Journalist and actor

Francis G. Slay – 71 years old (1955) – Lawyer and politician, 45th Mayor of St. Louis

Thomas Ian Griffith – 64 years old (1962) – Actor, producer, screenwriter, musician and martial artist

James McMurtry – 64 years old (1962) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor

Mike Rowe – 64 years old (1962) – Television personality

Vanessa L. Williams – 63 years old (1963) – Model, actress, and singer

Bonnie Blair – 62 years old (1964) – Speed skater

Jerry Cantrell – 60 years old (1966) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Michael Bergin – 57 years old (1969) – Actor

Queen Latifah – 56 years old (1970) – Rapper, producer, and actress

Mariaan de Swardt – 55 years old (1971) – South African-American tennis player, coach, and sportscaster

Dane Cook – 54 years old (1972) – Comedian, actor, director, and producer

Reince Priebus – 54 years old (1972) – Lawyer and politician

Luci Christian – 53 years old (1973) – Voice actress and screenwriter

Sutton Foster – 51 years old (1975) – Actress, singer, and dancer

Brian Griese – 51 years old (1975) – Football player and sportscaster

Scott Podsednik – 50 years old (1976) – Baseball player

Mike Quackenbush – 50 years old (1976) – Wrestler, trainer, and author, founded Chikara wrestling promotion

Fernando Rodney – 49 years old (1977) – Dominican-American baseball player

Terrmel Sledge – 49 years old (1977) – Baseball player and coach

Brian Scalabrine – 48 years old (1978) – Basketball player, coach, and sportscaster

Adam Levine – 47 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and television personality

Kasib Powell – 45 years old (1981) – Basketball player

Doug Warren – 45 years old (1981) – Soccer player

Chad Cordero – 44 years old (1982) – Baseball player

Adam Pally – 44 years old (1982) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

Ethan Carter III – 43 years old (1983) – Wrestler

Andy Sonnanstine – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player

Rajeev Ram – 42 years old (1984) – Tennis player

Vonzell Solomon – 42 years old (1984) – Singer and actress

Cory Schneider – 40 years old (1986) – Ice hockey player

Eric Wood – 40 years old (1986) – Football player and sportscaster

C. J. Miles – 39 years old (1987) – Basketball player

Rebecca Soni – 39 years old (1987) – Swimmer

Lily Collins – 37 years old (1989) – English-American actress

Travis Frederick – 35 years old (1991) – Football player

Solomon Hill – 35 years old (1991) – Basketball player

Dylan Mattingly – 35 years old (1991) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

J. T. Realmuto – 35 years old (1991) – Baseball player

Anthony Barr – 34 years old (1992) – Football player

Trey Mancini – 34 years old (1992) – Baseball player

Ryan Truex – 34 years old (1992) – Race car driver

Solo Sikoa – 33 years old (1993) – Wrestler

Kris Dunn – 32 years old (1994) – Basketball player

Ronnie Stanley – 32 years old (1994) – Football player

Julia Goldani Telles – 31 years old (1995) – Actress and dancer

Ciara Bravo – 29 years old (1997) – Actress

Jordan Whitehead – 29 years old (1997) – Football player

Brenden Rice – 24 years old (2002) – Football player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MARCH 18:

Small Business Development Centers Day: Small Business Development Centers Day celebrates the essential role of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) across the country and the people behind them who quietly turn good ideas into workable, durable businesses. These centers support small businesses in starting, growing, and thriving through expert guidance and practical resources. An SBDC is...
National Awkward Moments Day: Awkward moments can be embarrassing, but they also make for great stories and memories. Laughing at yourself is healthy, so embrace the awkwardness!
Transit Driver Appreciation Day: Transit Driver Appreciation Day celebrates the hard work and dedication of public transit drivers who keep communities moving day after day. It is a simple idea with a big reach: pause long enough to notice the steady hands and steady nerves behind the wheel or at the controls, and say...
Goddess of Fertility Day: Goddess of Fertility Day, celebrated on March 18 each year, honors the many goddesses connected with fertility, abundance, and the spark of creation. It is a day that looks at fertility in the broadest sense: not only the hope for children, but also the flourishing of gardens, the return of...
Global Recycling Day: From trash to treasure, give your waste a new lease on life! Contribute to a better future with the power of recycling.
National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day: National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day spotlights a cookie that manages to be both homey and a little fancy at the same time. Lacy oatmeal cookies are thin, crisp, and delicately patterned, with a toffee-like flavor that comes from butter and sugar caramelizing as the batter spreads into a wide, amber-edged...
Forgive Mom & Dad Day: Healing your heart and letting go of resentment can be liberating, allowing you to move forward with love and positivity.
National Black Pudding Day: Savoring blood sausage connects taste buds to rich culinary traditions, blending savory notes that captivate discerning palates.
National Supreme Sacrifice Day: National Supreme Sacrifice Day honors those who have given everything for the good of others. It focuses on the ultimate act of selflessness—when individuals put their own lives on the line for the safety or freedom of someone else. These stories remind us of the incredible bravery that exists, whether it's...
National Biodiesel Day: Fueling the future, this eco-friendly energy source gives cars a cleaner ride, making the planet and wallets smile.
National Sloppy Joe Day: This classic sandwich will have you licking your fingers! The tangy sauce mixed with savory meat on a soft bun is a crowd-pleaser.
National Public Defense Day: National Public Defense Day celebrates the vital role that public defenders play in our justice system. It highlights how these professionals ensure that people who cannot afford a lawyer still receive legal help. They work tirelessly to uphold fairness in courtrooms and bring balance to legal proceedings. The day encourages honoring...
March Madness: Get your game face on for March Madness! This high-energy tournament is a slam dunk of excitement, passion, and heart-pumping action. So grab your team colors, gear up for the showdown, and let the madness begin!
National Agriculture Week: National Agriculture Week shines a spotlight on the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who fill our plates and fuel our lives. Behind every meal and everyday product is someone who works hard, from dawn to dusk, to ensure we all have what we need. This week connects us to the...
International Teach Music Week: International Teach Music Week is a vibrant celebration that lights up every year's third week of March, and unites over 750 music schools and various organizations globally. They offer free 30-minute lessons to new students, encouraging everyone from kids to adults to explore the joy of music. It's a time when...
Global Money Week: Every year, Global Money Week (GMW) kicks off excitedly, focusing on enhancing financial awareness among the young. This vibrant event is organized by the OECD International Network on Financial Education, the launch brings together participants from around the world to share knowledge and strategies for managing finances safely and responsibly. How...
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week: While education about drugs, alcohol, and addiction has been going on for many decades, a great deal of misinformation around the topic has continued to pervade culture, particularly among young people. The aim of this important event is to bring together teens and scientific experts, working to shatter myths about...
Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
American Chocolate Week: American Chocolate Week is a delightful celebration of one of America's most beloved treats: chocolate. This week-long event allows people to indulge their sweet tooth and explore different ways to enjoy chocolate in its many forms. From creamy milk chocolate to rich dark varieties, there's something for everyone. People take the...
National Fragrance Week: Scent has the remarkable power to shape moods and spark memories. National Fragrance Week celebrates this magic by inviting everyone to explore the world of fragrance. Throughout the week, fragrance experts share insights, and companies offer special promotions, making it the perfect time to discover new scents or deepen appreciation...
Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Understanding diverse minds, embracing unique perspectives, neurodiversity celebrates the richness of human cognition and experiences.
National Clean Out Your Closet Week: National Clean Out Your Closet Week is a fun and practical event that encourages everyone to tidy up their closets. It’s the perfect time to sort through clothes, shoes, and accessories, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. This activity not only helps you organize your space but also gives...
National Animal Poison Prevention Week: National Animal Poison Prevention Week highlights the hidden dangers our pets face from everyday household items. Many substances that seem harmless to us can be toxic for our furry friends. Things like certain plants, human medications, and even some foods can cause severe health issues if ingested by pets. This week...
National Introverts Week: Introverts often have an amazing inner world — they make great listeners and thinkers, adding depth to any conversation.
National Bubble Week: National Bubble Week celebrates the joy of bubbles, offering a lighthearted break that everyone can enjoy. This fun event showcases the mesmerizing beauty of bubbles as they drift through the air, glowing in soft colors and popping with gentle splashes! How to Celebrate National Bubble Week National Bubble Week is all about...
European-wide Action Week Against Racism: European-wide Action Week Against Racism connects communities across borders to take a clear stand against hate. It’s not just a campaign—it’s a shared effort. Schools, community groups, and everyday citizens take part. They speak out in their own way, using clear messages and public spaces to reject racism. The focus stays...
Schools Library Media Center Week: Schools Library Media Center Week highlights the invaluable role of library media centers in schools across the nation. These centers are much more than book collections; they are dynamic spaces that connect students to a world of knowledge, resources, and inspiration. Through their unique blend of traditional books and digital...
National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week: National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week is a critical event dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of inhalant abuse and accidental poisonings. During this week, communities emphasize the risks associated with everyday household items that can be abused for their fumes. Many people don’t realize that common products like...
National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...
National Button Week: National Button Week invites people to celebrate the charm and versatility of buttons. This week shines a spotlight on these small but significant items, often overlooked in daily life. Buttons play many roles, from fastening clothing to adding a touch of style or even showing a little personality. During National Button...
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Week: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Week celebrates the remarkable work of nurse practitioners who specialize in children's health. These professionals play a unique role in pediatric healthcare, providing not only routine checkups but also managing chronic conditions, guiding families, and responding to a wide range of health issues from infancy through...
Wellderly Week: Wellderly Week is a special time set aside each year to celebrate and focus on the well-being of our senior community, and is dedicated to promoting health, happiness, and the importance of staying active and engaged, regardless of age. The celebration highlights the significant role that seniors play in our society...
National Anonymous Giving Week: National Anonymous Giving Week highlights a unique form of generosity. This week, people focus on acts of kindness without the need for public praise. The idea is simple: help others without expecting thanks. Whether it’s a donation to a local charity, food for a shelter, or funds for a community...
World Folktales & Fables Week: World Folktales & Fables Week sweeps us into the timeless magic of storytelling. This week invites everyone to dive into tales that have traveled across generations and lands, from clever tricksters to brave heroes and magical creatures. Learn More About World Folktales & Fables Week These stories capture universal ideas—love, courage...
Ramadan: During this holy month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, focusing on spiritual reflection and community. Ramadan is a time for self-improvement and bringing people together in celebration of faith.