1. Statehood Day: December 14 marks the anniversary of New Mexico being admitted as the 47th state of the United States in 1912.
2. The Founding of Las Cruces: The city of Las Cruces, located in southern New Mexico, was founded on December 14, 1849. It was established as a stop on the Camino Real, a major trade route between Mexico City and Santa Fe.
3. White Sands National Monument Established: On December 14, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established White Sands National Monument in southern New Mexico. The park is known for its large dunes of white gypsum sand.
4. International Space Station Visits: On December 14, 2006, the International Space Station made a visible pass over New Mexico. Astronaut Sunita "Suni" Williams took several photos of the state, including the Rio Grande and White Sands National Monument.
5. The Pueblo Revolt: In 1690, the Pueblo Indian Revolt began in what is now New Mexico. On December 14 of that year, Pueblo leaders secretly planned and coordinated their uprising against Spanish colonizers. The revolt lasted for several years and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of colonizers, including priests and soldiers.