1. On August 23, 1776, the North Carolina Provincial Congress adopted the first state constitution, creating a framework for state government and outlining the rights of citizens. This was a pivotal moment in North Carolina's history as it established the state as an independent entity, separate from colonial rule.

2. The Battle of White Oak Swamp, a pivotal engagement during the American Civil War, occurred on August 23, 1862, in Virginia. While North Carolina troops were not directly involved in this battle, it was part of a larger Confederate offensive that included many soldiers from the state.

3. On August 23, 1911, Orville Wright landed his Wright Model B airplane on the beach at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, marking the first successful flight of a military aircraft in the United States. The flight was a significant achievement in the development of aviation and helped establish North Carolina as a leader in the industry.

4. In 1954, on August 23, the Supreme Court of North Carolina overturned a state law requiring the segregation of public schools on the basis of race. This decision was a major milestone in the civil rights movement and set the stage for further legal challenges to segregation throughout the United States.

5. On August 23, 2011, Hurricane Irene made landfall in North Carolina, causing significant damage and widespread power outages. The storm was one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes to strike the state in recent history, and it served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.