April 18

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I-22 sign

April 18 in the history of the Birmingham District:

• 2005: "Corridor X" was officially designated as "Future Interstate 22".
• 1963: National discount retailer Maxam opened a location on Green Springs Highway.
• 1953: A deadly tornado caused $3 million of damage to the Buck Creek Mill and killed 8 people in Siluria.
• 1943: Radio announcer Joe Rumore began his career at WAPI-AM.
• 1882: Sloss Furnaces produced its first pig iron.
• 1831: The University of Alabama opened its doors to students.
• 1818: Ebenezer Hearn began preaching at Bear Meat Cabin.

Births

• 1974: Musician Les Nuby was born in Birmingham.
• 1957: Attorney and University of Alabama Board of Trustees president pro tem Finis St John IV was born in Birmingham.
• 1956: Midfield Police and Jefferson County Sheriff's Office veteran Jay Miller was born in Mobile.
• 1887: Architect Brooke Burnham was born.
• 1770: Pioneer settler William "Silver Dollar Billy" Reed was born in Guilford County, North Carolina.

Deaths

• 1953: Eight people died in the 1953 Siluria tornado.

Sports

• 1992: Birmingham Fire 28, Sacramento Surge 14 at the BJCC.
• 1990: Birmingham was selected to host a World League of American Football team.
• 1988: The Birmingham Barons played their first game at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.
• 1985: UAB's Young Memorial Field was dedicated in honor of Jerry Young.
• 1979; Mike O'Berry made his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox.