1. Statehood Day: August 15, 1912, marks the day that New Mexico officially became a state in the United States. Prior to this, New Mexico had been a territory for 62 years.

2. Billy the Kid's Capture: On August 15, 1881, infamous outlaw Billy the Kid was captured by Sheriff Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. This would eventually lead to Billy's execution less than two months later.

3. The Santa Fe Trail: On August 15, 1821, the Santa Fe Trail opened, connecting Santa Fe to Missouri. This trade route was critical for commerce and trade between the United States and Mexico.

4. The Hatch Chile Festival: August 15th weekend is the time for the annual Hatch Chile Festival in Hatch, New Mexico. The festival celebrates the popular Hatch chile pepper and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

5. Atom Bomb Test: On August 15, 1945, the world's first atomic bomb was tested at the Trinity Site in Alamogordo, New Mexico. This test served as a precursor to the use of atomic bombs in World War II.