1. On July 22, 1862, the Battle of Apache Canyon took place near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Union soldiers fought against Confederate soldiers and local Apache warriors. The Union eventually won the battle and were able to secure the New Mexico Territory for the Union cause during the Civil War.

2. In 1880, New Mexico became a state in the United States on July 22. New Mexico was the 47th state to join the union and is currently the fifth-largest state in the United States.

3. On July 22, 1945, the first nuclear explosion took place in the Alamogordo desert in New Mexico. The test, code-named Trinity, was a crucial step in the development of the atomic bomb, which was used by the United States during World War II.

4. The New Mexico Museum of Art was opened on July 22, 1917. The museum is located in Santa Fe and is home to an extensive collection of Southwestern art and a variety of exhibitions throughout the year.

5. In 2005, July 22 was designated as "Mutt Day" in New Mexico. This day was created to celebrate mixed-breed dogs and encourage adoption from animal shelters. Many animal shelters in the state host events and specials on this day to promote the adoption of "mutts."