1. In 1898, the territorial legislature of New Mexico approved an act which established the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The university was initially named the University of Albuquerque but later its name was changed to the University of New Mexico in 1906. Today, the university is one of the largest public institutions in the state with a student population of over 25,000.

2. On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred in Alaska. Although the spill did not occur in New Mexico, it had far-reaching impacts on the state's oil and gas industry. In response to the disaster, New Mexico passed a series of environmental regulations to prevent future accidents from occurring in the state.

3. In 1971, the New Mexico State Legislature passed the Indian Education Act to improve the education of Native American children in the state. The act established a Native American Education Advisory Council to oversee Indian Education programs in the state and to advise the State Education Department on matters related to Indian education.

4. On March 24, 1942, the U.S. Army established the White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico. The range has been the site of numerous missile tests and rocket launches, including the development of the first nuclear-tipped atomic missile. Today, the White Sands Missile Range is one of the most important U.S. military installations in the country.

5. In 1863, the Battle of Peralta was fought near the town of Peralta in central New Mexico during the Civil War. The battle was part of the New Mexico Campaign, which aimed to control the mineral resources of the territory. The Union forces, which included the First Colorado Infantry Regiment, were victorious in the battle, which helped to secure New Mexico for the Union.