1. On July 8, 1947, the famously controversial Roswell UFO incident occurred in New Mexico. A flying object crashed on a ranch outside of Roswell, and the U.S. government claimed it was a weather balloon. Conspiracy theories abound to this day.

2. In 1850, on July 8, the U.S. Congress passed the Compromise of 1850, which included several measures related to the status of slavery in new territories being added to the Union. This compromise paved the way for New Mexico's eventual statehood in 1912.

3. On July 8, 1879, renowned outlaw Billy the Kid escaped from the Lincoln County Courthouse in New Mexico. He was awaiting trial for murder, and his escape sparked a manhunt that lasted until his ultimate demise the following year.

4. In 1915, on July 8, the city of Albuquerque was hit by a massive flood that caused widespread damage and fatalities. The flood was caused by heavy rains and the failure of several dams in the surrounding area.

5. On July 8, 1929, the New Mexico State Penitentiary officially opened in Santa Fe. Over the years, the prison has been the site of several high-profile riots and escape attempts, and it remains in use to this day.