1. On April 6, 1917, the United States declared war on Germany, officially entering World War I. Many New Mexicans volunteered for military service during the war, and the state's participation in the conflict was a key factor in its eventual attainment of statehood in 1912.

2. In 1935, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) began construction on the Santa Fe Ski Basin, which would eventually become one of New Mexico's premier winter sports destinations. The project was part of a broader effort by the WPA to provide employment and economic stimulus during the Great Depression.

3. On April 6, 1956, the small town of Shiprock in northwest New Mexico was devastated by a powerful earthquake that registered 7.0 on the Richter scale. The quake caused widespread damage and led to the displacement of many residents, highlighting the potential dangers of living in seismically active regions.

4. In 1962, New Mexico became the 47th state to ratify the 23rd Amendment to the US Constitution, which granted residents of the District of Columbia the right to vote in presidential elections. This was a significant moment in the struggle for voting rights and democratic representation in the United States.

5. April 6, 2002 marked the beginning of the Cerro Grande fire, a devastating wildfire that burned more than 43,000 acres of forest and residential areas in northern New Mexico. The fire was caused by a controlled burn that quickly spiraled out of control due to high winds and dry conditions, underscoring the need for careful management of natural resources in the face of environmental threats.