1. In 1820, the first steamboat arrived in Little Rock on February 23. The arrival of the "General Pike" marked the beginning of steamboat transportation in Arkansas, which revolutionized trade and commerce in the state.

2. On February 23, 1945, four soldiers from Arkansas were among the Marines who raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. The iconic photograph of the flag-raising became a symbol of American victory and courage.

3. In 1960, the Arkansas State Capitol building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 23. The building, which was completed in 1915, is an example of neoclassical architecture and serves as the seat of government for the state of Arkansas.

4. On February 23, 1987, the Arkansas state legislature passed a bill designating the riparian zone along the Buffalo River as a protected area. The Buffalo River is one of the most scenic and ecologically diverse waterways in the United States, and the riparian zone provides critical habitat for a variety of plant and animal species.

5. In 1991, the University of Arkansas men's basketball team played their final game in Barnhill Arena on February 23. The arena, which opened in 1955, was the home of Razorbacks basketball for over three decades, and was known for its passionate fans and raucous atmosphere. The team moved to a new venue, Bud Walton Arena, the following season.