1. February 29, 1860: The Territory of New Mexico is Organized

On February 29, 1860, the Territory of New Mexico was officially organized. President James Buchanan signed the legislation, which divided the previous New Mexico Territory into two parts – the Territory of New Mexico and the Territory of Arizona.

2. February 29, 1940: The Last Execution in New Mexico

On February 29, 1940, the last execution was carried out in New Mexico. Convicted murderer David Provience was hanged at the New Mexico State Penitentiary in Santa Fe. The method of execution was later changed to lethal injection.

3. February 29, 1980: The Miracle on Ice

On February 29, 1980, the United States Men's Olympic Hockey Team pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sports history. They defeated the Soviet Union, who had won every Olympic gold medal in hockey except for one since 1956, in the semifinals of the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. The U.S. went on to win the gold medal by beating Finland in the finals.

4. February 29, 2008: The Taos County Courthouse Shooting

On February 29, 2008, a shooting occurred at the Taos County Courthouse in Taos, New Mexico. A man walked into the courthouse with two guns and opened fire, killing two people and wounding four others before he was shot and killed by a police officer.

5. February 29, 2016: Leap Year Day Weather Records

On February 29, 2016, multiple weather records were set in New Mexico due to an unusually warm and dry winter. Albuquerque recorded its first 80-degree day in February, while Roswell set a new record for the warmest February overnight low temperature. Meanwhile, the Sandia Peak Ski Area canceled skiing and snowboarding due to a lack of snow.