1. On December 28, 1854, the U.S. Congress established the Territory of New Mexico. This marked the beginning of an important era in the state's history which saw the arrival of many settlers and the growth of its cultural and economic identity.

2. In 1937, the first ski area in New Mexico was opened at the top of Sandia Peak near Albuquerque. The ski lift was built with parts from an old mine and transported by mules and trucks to the top of the mountain where it was assembled by a team of experts.

3. On December 28, 1978, farm workers in New Mexico won a critical victory when Governor Roberto Apodaca signed into law the state's first farm worker protection bill. The law provided migrant workers with basic rights such as minimum wages, safe working conditions, and access to healthcare.

4. The Village of Hatch, located in southern New Mexico, is known as the Chile Capital of the World. Every year on the last weekend of December, the town celebrates the arrival of the New Year with its famous Chile Drop. A 19-foot-long chili pepper is lowered down a pole at the stroke of midnight, followed by fireworks and live music.

5. On December 28, 1907, the last of New Mexico's territorial governors, George Curry, left office. Curry was instrumental in helping the state secure its statehood in 1912 and is remembered for his efforts to modernize the government and improve the lives of New Mexico's citizens.