1. On May 23, 1934, notorious bank robber John Dillinger was shot and killed outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago, Illinois. Dillinger was from Indiana and his gang had committed several bank robberies and jail breaks in the state.

2. The Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious car races in the world, is held annually on or around May 23. The first Indianapolis 500 was held on May 30, 1911, but in recent years the race has been held on the Sunday before Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May.

3. May 23, 1957 marked the release of "That'll Be the Day," a hit song by Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Holly was born in Lubbock, Texas, but had strong connections to Indiana, having first recorded at the Bradley Film and Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, which was owned by Hoosier musician Owen Bradley.

4. On May 23, 1816, Indiana became the 19th state to join the United States of America. The state had been established as a territory in 1800 and played an important role in the Northwest Territory during the American Revolution.

5. The Cole Porter Festival, celebrating the life and music of Indiana native and famous composer Cole Porter, is held annually in his hometown of Peru, Indiana around May 23. The festival features performances of Porter's most famous songs and is attended by fans from all over the world.