1. In 1846, New Mexico became a part of the United States after the Mexican-American War. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, but it took a few days for the news to reach New Mexico. On February 5, General Stephen W. Kearny proclaimed the official transfer of New Mexico from Mexican to American control.

2. In 1924, the New Mexico state flag was officially adopted. Designed by Dr. Harry Mera, a member of the New Mexico Historical Society, the flag features a red sun with rays extending outwards in a circular pattern. The symbol has roots in both the Zia Pueblo of New Mexico and the Spanish explorers who settled in the region.

3. On February 5, 1931, the New Mexico Legislature created Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Located in the southeastern part of the state, the park is home to some of the largest and most scenic caverns in the world. Visitors can explore underground chambers, caves, and formations that have been carved out over millions of years.

4. The first atomic bomb test at the Trinity Site in Alamogordo took place on July 16, 1945, but its development and testing began months earlier in New Mexico. On February 5, 1943, the Manhattan Project was officially launched, with Los Alamos National Laboratory serving as the primary research and engineering site for the development of nuclear weapons.

5. On February 5, 1990, Albuquerque's South Broadway neighborhood was struck by a devastating tornado. The tornado was one of the strongest and most destructive in the history of New Mexico, with winds reaching up to 261 miles per hour. Six people were killed and more than 350 homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged. Despite the tragedy, the community came together to rebuild and continue to thrive today.