1. On January 3, 1821, the Mexican government declared New Mexico a province, separate from the larger region of Santa Fe de Nuevo México. This paved the way for greater autonomy and self-governance in the region.

2. In 1870, the University of New Mexico was established in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Today, it is one of the state's largest universities and is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene.

3. On January 3, 1912, New Mexico officially became the 47th state in the United States, after years of campaigning and lobbying for statehood. The state has a long and storied history, dating back thousands of years.

4. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which stretch through northern New Mexico, are home to some of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. These communities, including Taos Pueblo and Picuris Pueblo, have been inhabited for over 1,000 years.

5. On January 3, 1945, the world's first atomic bomb was detonated in Alamogordo, New Mexico, as part of the Manhattan Project. The bomb was a precursor to the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki later that year, and had a profound impact on the politics and culture of the 20th century.