1. In 1869, the Northern Pacific Railroad authorized surveying of a potential route through North Dakota. This would ultimately lead to the construction of the railroad, which greatly impacted the state's economy and settlement.

2. On August 23, 1870, the first organized settlement was established in what is now Bismarck, North Dakota. This settlement was named Edwinton, but was later renamed to Bismarck in honor of the German chancellor Otto von Bismarck.

3. In 1918, a devastating tornado ripped through the town of Castlewood, North Dakota on August 23. The tornado killed 9 people and caused extensive damage to homes and businesses.

4. August 23, 1922 marked the dedication of the Peace Garden on the U.S.-Canadian border. The garden was created as a symbol of peace between the two countries and features gardens, fountains, and a 120-foot-tall tower.

5. On August 23, 1938, the U.S. government announced that a new air mail route would be established between Chicago and Seattle, with stops in several North Dakota cities including Fargo and Bismarck. This new route signaled the growing importance of aviation in the state and would ultimately lead to the construction of new airports and airfields.