1. Nevada became a state on October 31, 1864, but the process leading up to statehood began on October 23, 1861, when President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill enabling the territory to form a state government.

2. On October 23, 1904, the very first automobile race was held in Nevada, from Tonopah to Goldfield. The race was won by "Terrible Tommy" Milton, who would go on to become a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500.

3. In 1910, on October 23, the city of Reno was rocked by a massive explosion at the Nevada State Hospital. The explosion, likely caused by a gas leak, killed 10 people and injured several more.

4. On October 23, 1922, the legendary Western film star Hopalong Cassidy made his debut in the novel "Bar-20," written by Clarence E. Mulford. The character was later immortalized on screen by actor William Boyd.

5. October 23, 2002, saw the opening of The Palms, a luxury casino resort in Las Vegas. The Palms became known for its sleek and futuristic design, and for its famous Ghostbar nightclub, which offered stunning views of the city from the 55th floor.