1. In 1847, the Mexican-American War saw its climax on this day with the Battle of Embudo Pass, where a force of New Mexico militia fought against American army troops. Despite being outnumbered, the New Mexicans managed to hold off the American advance for several hours before ultimately being defeated.

2. On March 23, 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state in the United States. The territory had been administered as a U.S. territory since the end of the Mexican-American War, and statehood had been a long-sought goal for many New Mexicans.

3. In 2010, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples must be allowed to marry, making it the 17th state in the nation to recognize same-sex marriage. The decision was a landmark moment in the fight for LGBTQ rights in the United States.

4. March 23, 1959, was the date of a tragic airplane crash in Albuquerque that killed 16 people, including several members of the California State Polytechnic College football team. The cause of the crash was never determined, but it remains one of the worst air disasters in New Mexico history.

5. On March 23, 1939, the state legislature approved a plan for the construction of the New Mexico State Capitol building in Santa Fe. The building, which was completed in 1965, is known for its distinctive design, which incorporates elements of traditional Pueblo architecture. Today, it serves as the seat of government for the state of New Mexico.