1. The first land run in Oklahoma history took place on February 23, 1889, when over 50,000 people rushed to claim land in what would become the state's central region. This event sparked the rapid settlement of Oklahoma and resulted in the formation of several new towns and communities.

2. On February 23, 1907, Oklahoma became the 46th state in the United States. This historic event marked the end of the Oklahoma Territory and the Indian Territory, which were merged to form a new state with a unique history and culture.

3. On February 23, 1945, a group of Marines from Oklahoma fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima, a pivotal moment in the Pacific theater of World War II. These brave soldiers sacrificed their lives to secure a critical base in the fight against Japan.

4. In 2009, February 23 was designated as "Cherokee Nation Day" by the Oklahoma legislature, in recognition of the contributions of the Cherokee people to the state's history and culture. The Cherokee Nation is the largest Native American tribe in Oklahoma, and has a rich history that dates back hundreds of years.

5. On February 23, 2013, a devastating tornado struck the town of Moore, Oklahoma, killing 24 people and causing widespread destruction. This tragedy highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural disasters, and inspired action to improve disaster response and recovery efforts across the state.