November 18

1493: Christopher Columbus first sights the island now known as Puerto Rico.

1809: In a naval action during the Napoleonic Wars, French frigates defeat British East Indiamen in the Bay of Bengal.

1903: The Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty is signed by the United States and Panama, giving the United States exclusive rights over the Panama Canal Zone.

1909: Two United States warships are sent to Nicaragua after 500 revolutionaries (including two Americans) are executed by order of José Santos Zelaya.