1. The Battle of Valverde occurred on February 18, 1862, during the American Civil War. Confederate forces led by General Henry Hopkins Sibley defeated Union forces in a crucial battle in the New Mexico Campaign.

2. On February 18, 1930, Martin K. Chavez, a prominent political figure in New Mexico, was born in Albuquerque. Chavez served as the mayor of Albuquerque for three terms, from 1993 to 2009.

3. The New Mexico Statehood Centennial Celebration was held on February 18, 2012, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of New Mexico's statehood. The event featured a parade, live music, and other festivities throughout the state.

4. On February 18, 1952, the Navajo Nation Council voted to approve the Navajo Tribal Code, which established a legal system for the Navajo Nation. The code included provisions for criminal law, civil law, and traditional Navajo law.

5. The El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area was established on February 18, 1987. Located in western New Mexico, the monument and conservation area covers over 114,000 acres and features unique geological formations, ancient lava flows, and cultural sites.