1. The Battle of Pine Bluff occurred on October 23, 1863 during the Civil War. Confederate forces attempted to retake the city from Union soldiers, but were ultimately defeated. This battle is significant in Arkansas history as it helped secure Union control of the state.

2. The Arkansas State Fair begins on October 23 each year. The fair has been held annually since 1938 and features livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, and other entertainment.

3. In 1973, the Arkansas Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on October 23 in the case of Carwell v. Edwards. The court declared the state's system of funding public schools unconstitutional, leading to major reforms aimed at providing more equal educational opportunities for all students.

4. On October 23, 1954, the University of Arkansas played its first football game against a team from Texas. The Razorbacks scored a 6-0 victory over the Texas Longhorns, marking the beginning of a longstanding football rivalry between the two schools.

5. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan declared October 23 to be National Mole Day in honor of the scientific unit of measurement known as the mole. Mole Day is celebrated by chemistry students and educators around the world with events and activities focused on promoting interest in science.