1. In 1863, John W. "Jack" Swilling established the first irrigation system in Phoenix. This allowed for the thriving agricultural industry that helped to transform Phoenix from a small farming community into a major city in the Southwest.

2. On April 23, 1889, the Arizona State Land Department was established. This department is responsible for managing the state's public lands and ensuring that they are used for the benefit of all Arizonans.

3. In 1934, Arizona Governor Benjamin Baker Moeur signed a bill into law that established Arizona State Parks. Today, Arizona State Parks manages 35 parks and historic sites throughout the state, including popular destinations like Kartchner Caverns, Lake Havasu State Park, and Sedona's Red Rock State Park.

4. On this day in 1977, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Seattle SuperSonics in a thrilling Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals. Led by All-Star guard Paul Westphal, the Suns would go on to make their first NBA Finals appearance that year.

5. In 1993, the Grand Canyon National Park celebrated its 75th anniversary on April 23. The park, which covers over 1.2 million acres and attracts nearly 5 million visitors each year, was established in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson.