On This Day

What Happened on November 18, 1978

Historical Events

  • Great Britain performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site

MurderMurder of Interest

In Jonestown, Guyana, 918 members of the Peoples Temple are murdered or commit suicide under the leadership of cult leader Jim Jones

Founder of the Peoples Temple Cult Jim Jones
Founder of the Peoples Temple Cult
Jim Jones

Famous Birthdays

  • Andris Nelsons, Latvian conductor (Boston Symphony; Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra), born in Riga, Latvia
  • Damien Johnson, Northern Irish footballer

Famous Deaths


Person of interestJim Jones

Jim Jones, US pastor, leader of Jonestown Cult, commits suicide at 47

Founder of the Peoples Temple Cult Jim Jones
Founder of the Peoples Temple Cult
Jim Jones
  • Lennie Tristano, American jazz pianist (The New Tristano), dies of a heart attack at 59
  • Leo J Ryan, (Rep-Cal) & 4 killed in Jonestown, Guyana by members of Peoples Temple, followed by ritual mass suicide of 914 members
  • Leo Ryan, American politician (Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California), assassinated at 53 in Jonestown, Guyana
1978 Highlights

About November 18, 1978

Day of the Week: Saturday
How Long Ago? 42 years, 2 months and 3 days
Leap Year: No

Generation Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Scorpio



What Happened in 1978