1. In 1598, Juan de Oñate founded San Juan de los Caballeros, the first capital of New Mexico. The settlement served as the center of government and commerce until 1610.
2. In 1847, during the Mexican-American War, U.S. forces under the command of General Stephen W. Kearny captured Santa Fe without a fight. The occupation of New Mexico by the United States marked the beginning of a new era in the state's history.
3. In 1917, the state of New Mexico adopted a new flag, designed by Dr. Harry Mera. The flag features a red sun symbol of the Zia Pueblo on a yellow background, with four sets of four rays each. The design is still used today, and is featured prominently throughout the state.
4. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) established a camp in Elephant Butte, New Mexico. The CCC was a federal program designed to provide work for young men during the Great Depression, and many of the structures built by the CCC are still in use today.
5. In 1942, the U.S. Army established the Alamogordo Bombing Range (now the White Sands Missile Range) in southern New Mexico for testing of missiles and other weapons. The range was the site of the first atomic bomb test on July 16, 1945.