1. On August 23, 1775, the Georgia Provincial Congress met for the first time in Savannah. This congress appointed three delegates to represent Georgia at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

2. In 1864, on August 23, Union General William T. Sherman's troops occupied Atlanta during the Civil War. This marked a turning point in the war, as the fall of Atlanta significantly weakened the Confederacy's ability to fight.

3. On August 23, 1909, Georgia Governor Hoke Smith signed a law establishing the state's first public university for women, now known as Georgia State University. The school started with just 41 students and has since grown to a student body of over 32,000.

4. In 1943, on August 23, the Fort Oglethorpe United States Disciplinary Barracks was established in Georgia. This facility housed military prisoners during World War II, including some who were convicted of desertion or other crimes.

5. On August 23, 1994, the Atlanta Braves set a Major League Baseball record by winning their 17th consecutive game. This winning streak helped propel the Braves to their first division championship in the new National League East division.