1. On October 23, 1948, Fargo was hit by a major blizzard that brought over a foot of snow to the area. The storm caused power outages, road closures, and train derailments, and resulted in several deaths.

2. In 1915, Bismarck celebrated the grand opening of the new State Capitol building on October 23. The building, which still stands today, was designed in a neoclassical style and features a 19-story tower.

3. On October 23, 1828, a party of fur traders led by Peter Skene Ogden arrived at the mouth of the Yellowstone River in what is now McKenzie County. They established Fort Union, which became an important trading post for the next several decades.

4. In 1889, North Dakota became a state on October 23, along with South Dakota. The two states joined the Union together as the 39th and 40th states, respectively.

5. On October 23, 1973, the Amtrak Empire Builder train made its first run through North Dakota. The train, which still operates today, stops in several cities throughout the state, including Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot.