1. On August 23, 1779, the Battle of Bennington took place in present-day Vermont. It was a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War as the American forces, led by General John Stark, defeated British and German troops, preventing them from reaching Albany and gaining control of the Hudson River.

2. August 23, 1873, marked the opening of the first state fair in Vermont. The fair, which was held in Rutland, featured agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, and various entertainment shows, making it a popular event for Vermonters for many years.

3. On August 23, 1927, the Vermont Highway Department began constructing the new Route 15. The highway was vital in connecting the communities in northern Vermont and improving transportation for goods and people.

4. The famous author Rudyard Kipling lived in Vermont during the early 1900s, and on August 23, 1893, he purchased a home in Brattleboro. The home, known as Naulakha, is now a historic landmark and serves as a museum that showcases Kipling's life and work.

5. Vermont is known for its beautiful foliage during the fall season, and on August 23, 2011, the Vermont Board of Education ruled that schools would no longer start before Labor Day weekend, which is typically the start of the foliage season. This decision was made to allow families to have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery without sacrificing time in the classroom.