1. On December 11, 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, beginning the Mexican-American War. The war lasted until 1848 and resulted in the United States acquiring much of Mexico's northern territories, including New Mexico.

2. On December 11, 1917, New Mexico became the 47th state in the United States. Prior to statehood, New Mexico had been a territory since 1850.

3. On December 11, 1935, the first flight of the Santa Fe Railroad's Super Chief luxury passenger train took place. The Super Chief connected Chicago and Los Angeles, making stops through New Mexico.

4. On December 11, 1953, New Mexico State University became the first college in the world to launch an artificial satellite. The satellite, called Explorer 1, was launched into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

5. On December 11, 1982, New Mexico boxer Johnny Tapia made his professional debut, defeating Efren Chavez in a four-round fight. Tapia went on to become a five-time world champion in three different weight classes.