1. In 1917, the Phoenix Indian School, a boarding school for Native American children, opened on August 23. The school was established as part of the government's efforts to assimilate Native American children into mainstream American culture.

2. On August 23, 1927, the Parker Dam was dedicated. The dam, which spans the Colorado River between Arizona and California, was built to control flooding and provide water and hydroelectric power to the surrounding areas.

3. In 1964, the Arizona State Fairgrounds Coliseum opened on August 23. The coliseum was a popular venue for concerts, sporting events, and other gatherings until it was demolished in 2019.

4. On August 23, 1979, the Arizona Cardinals (then known as the Phoenix Cardinals) played their first preseason game in Phoenix. The team had recently moved from St. Louis and would remain in Phoenix until 1988, when they moved to their current home in Glendale.

5. Finally, on August 23, 2000, Arizona Governor Jane Hull proclaimed the day as "Grand Canyon Celebration of Art Day." The celebration, which takes place annually, brings together artists from around the country to paint and showcase their work inspired by the Grand Canyon.