1. Continental Congress recognized Pennsylvania's independence in 1778
On July 23, 1778, the Continental Congress passed a resolution recognizing Pennsylvania as an independent state. This was a significant step for Pennsylvania, which had been founded by William Penn as a refuge for Quakers and was one of the original 13 British Colonies.

2. Andrew Wyeth was born in 1917
Andrew Wyeth, one of America's most famous painters, was born in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, on July 23, 1917. Wyeth is best known for his realistic and sometimes haunting images of rural life in the Northeastern United States.

3. The first computer was unveiled at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946
On July 23, 1946, the first electronic computer was unveiled at the University of Pennsylvania's Moore School of Electrical Engineering. The computer, named ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), was the size of a large room and weighed over 30 tons.

4. The Battle of Gettysburg came to an end in 1863
The Battle of Gettysburg, one of the Civil War's most significant battles, which took place from July 1-3, 1863, came to an end on July 23. The battle resulted in a Union victory and is considered a turning point in the war.

5. Pennsylvania native Taylor Swift released her debut album in 2006
Taylor Swift, a native of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, released her debut album, titled "Taylor Swift," on July 23, 2006. The album was a commercial success and helped establish Swift as a rising star in the country music scene.