1. In 1910, the New Mexico Statehood Bill was signed into law by President William Howard Taft, paving the way for New Mexico to become the 47th state in the United States later that year.
2. On February 8, 1962, the New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe opened its doors to the public for the first time. The museum features a wide range of art from traditional Native American works to contemporary pieces.
3. In 1936, New Mexico's Olympic skier, Ernie Blake, competed in the Winter Olympics that were held in Germany. Blake was born in Germany, but his family moved to Taos, New Mexico when he was a child. He went on to found the Taos Ski Valley resort in 1955.
4. On February 8, 1960, Bill Richardson, who would later become Governor of New Mexico and a United Nations Ambassador, was drafted by the Kansas City Athletics baseball team.
5. The Battle of Santa Clara Pueblo, also known as the Battle of Embudo Pass, took place on February 8, 1847. This battle was part of the Mexican-American War and resulted in a victory for American forces led by General Stephen W. Kearny.