| 1348 | The first English order of knighthood is founded. | |
| 1500 | Pedro Cabral claims Brazil for Portugal. | |
| 1896 | Motion pictures premiere in New York City. | |
| 1914 | The Federals defeat Kansas City 9-1 in the first major league game to be played in Chicago’s Weeghman Park, later renamed Wrigley Field. | |
| 1915 | The ACA becomes the National Advisory Council on Aeronautics (NACA), the forerunner of NASA. | |
| Born on April 23 | ||
| 1547 | Miguel de Cervantes, Spanish author (Don Quixote). | |
| 1564 | William Shakespeare, English playwright and poet. | |
| 1928 | Shirley Temple Black, child actress, later U.S. ambassador. | |