June 18 is an important date in New Mexico history, with events ranging from battles to art exhibitions taking place on this day. Here are 5 interesting facts about June 18 in New Mexico history:

1. In 1846, the Battle of Santa Cruz de la Cañada took place, with U.S. forces under General Stephen W. Kearny defeating a Mexican army led by Governor Manuel Armijo. This battle helped the U.S. secure control over New Mexico during the Mexican-American War.

2. The famous artist Georgia O'Keeffe passed away in New Mexico on June 18, 1986. O'Keeffe was known for her vivid paintings of the New Mexico landscape, and lived in the state for many years.

3. The New Mexico State Fairgrounds played host to the annual Zozobra event on June 18, 2010. This event involves burning a large puppet of a man, symbolizing the burning of worries and troubles. Zozobra is a popular event in Santa Fe, and draws thousands of visitors each year.

4. On June 18, 1945, the Trinity test took place at Alamogordo, New Mexico. This was the first-ever test of an atomic bomb, and the explosion could be seen from over 100 miles away. This event marked a major turning point in World War II, and helped shape the course of the twentieth century.

5. June 18, 1998 saw a devastating wildfire sweep through New Mexico's Gila Wilderness. This wildfire was caused by lightning strikes, and burned over 16,000 acres of land. The Gila Wilderness is one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States, and the damage caused by the fire was a significant setback for conservation efforts in the area.