1. The day marks the anniversary of the first dropping of an atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945, which was developed in secrecy by scientists at the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, New Mexico. The bomb was nicknamed "Little Boy" and killed an estimated 140,000 people.

2. On August 6, 1962, Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her home in Brentwood, California. However, her connection to New Mexico lies in the fact that she lived part-time in the state during the filming of the 1958 western movie "The Misfits" directed by John Huston and co-starring Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift.

3. August 6, 1824, saw the arrival of the first American trading party led by William Becknell in Santa Fe, New Mexico, marking the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail. The 800-mile trail connected the Missouri River to Santa Fe and was used for trade and commerce for over 60 years.

4. The deadliest prison riot in U.S. history took place on August 6, 1980, at the New Mexico State Penitentiary, resulting in the deaths of 33 inmates. The riot lasted for over 36 hours and was caused by overcrowding, inhumane conditions, and racial tensions.

5. On August 6, 1949, New Mexico became the first state to allow gambling within its borders when the state legislature passed a bill legalizing horse racing. Today, there are several casinos and racetracks throughout the state, contributing millions of dollars to the economy each year.