December 31st is a significant day in New Mexico's history. On this day, several noteworthy events occurred that have had a lasting impact on the state's culture and identity. Here are five interesting facts about December 31 in New Mexico history:

1. Statehood Day: December 31, 1911, was the day that New Mexico officially became a state. The territory had been trying to become a state since the mid-1800s, but it wasn't until the early 1900s that the effort gained momentum. The Enabling Act, signed by President William Howard Taft in 1910, gave New Mexico the go-ahead to draft a constitution and apply for statehood. The new constitution was approved by voters in November 1911, and New Mexico was admitted to the Union just a few weeks later.

2. Billy the Kid's Execution: On December 31, 1880, notorious outlaw Billy the Kid was executed in the Old Lincoln County Courthouse in Lincoln, New Mexico. Billy the Kid (whose real name was William H. Bonney) had been convicted of killing Sheriff William Brady during the Lincoln County War. Despite several jailbreak attempts, he was eventually captured and sentenced to death. His execution, which took place just after midnight on New Year's Day, is one of the most famous events in Old West history.

3. Pancho Villa's Raid: On December 31, 1915, Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa led a raid on the border town of Columbus, New Mexico. Villa and his men killed 18 Americans and burned much of the town before retreating back into Mexico. The attack was a major blow to U.S.-Mexico relations and led to a series of punitive expeditions into Mexico by the U.S. Army.

4. Kirtland Air Force Base Established: On December 31, 1940, Kirtland Air Force Base was established near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Originally known as Albuquerque Army Air Base, the facility was built to support the growing U.S. military presence in the Southwest. Today, Kirtland is one of the largest Air Force bases in the country, with a wide range of missions and capabilities.

5. Snowy New Year's Eve: December 31, 2018, was a memorable New Year's Eve in New Mexico, as a major snowstorm dumped several inches of snow on much of the state. The snow caused widespread travel disruptions and forced several communities to cancel their New Year's Eve celebrations. Despite the weather, many New Mexicans still managed to ring in the new year in style, with cozy gatherings, firework displays, and plenty of hot cocoa.