What Happened in 1823 — Events, Births & Deaths

Sailor Benjamin Morrell erroneously reports the existence of the island of New South Greenland near Antarctica.

Brazilian War of Independence: A Brazilian squadron led by Lord Cochrane engages a Portuguese squadron under João de Campos off Salvador, Bahia.

Bahia Independence Day: The Siege of Salvador ends Portuguese rule in Brazil, with the final defeat of the Portuguese crown loyalists in the province of Bahia.

A fire destroys the ancient Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, Italy.

Joseph Smith claims to have found the golden plates after being directed by God through the Angel Moroni to the place where they were buried.

The poem "Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas," also known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," is published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel.