1. On April 5, 1887, the New Mexico Penitentiary opened in Santa Fe. It originally housed 47 inmates and was the first territorial prison in New Mexico.

2. In 1992, on April 5th, New Mexico Governor Bruce King declared a state of emergency due to a massive wildfire that had broken out in the Lincoln National Forest. The fire eventually burned over 60,000 acres of forestland.

3. On April 5, 1922, New Mexico governor Merritt C. Mechem approved the creation of the state's first highway department. This paved the way for the construction of the state's highway network.

4. In 1945, on April 5th, Santa Fe native and legendary artist Georgia O'Keeffe purchased a home and studio in Abiquiu, New Mexico. This would become her primary residence for the rest of her life.

5. On April 5, 1981, Albuquerque boxer Johnny Tapia made his professional debut, fighting Efren Chavez. Tapia would go on to have a highly successful career, winning five world championships in three different weight classes.