1. On May 12, 1868, the Treaty of Bosque Redondo was signed, which brought an end to the forced relocation of thousands of Navajo and Mescalero Apache people to a reservation in southeastern New Mexico known as Bosque Redondo. The treaty allowed for the return of the Navajo to their ancestral lands in Arizona and New Mexico, marking a significant moment in the history of Indigenous peoples in the region.

2. May 12, 1932 saw the opening of the Santa Fe Indian School, which was established to provide education and vocational training to Indigenous students from tribes across the country. The school was operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and played an important role in the assimilation policies of the federal government during the 20th century.

3. The New Mexico Museum of Art, one of the state’s premier cultural institutions, first opened its doors on May 12, 1917. The museum’s collection includes works by some of the most influential artists of the Southwest, including Georgia O’Keeffe, Ansel Adams, and Fritz Scholder.

4. On May 12, 1999, a powerful tornado touched down in the town of Sante Fe, causing widespread damage and injuring dozens of people. The tornado was one of the most severe weather events in the state’s history and served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and emergency response.

5. The New Mexico State Capitol Building was dedicated on May 12, 1966, after the original building was destroyed by fire in 1950. The new building, which features a distinctive zia sun symbol on its rotunda, has served as the home of the state legislature and other government offices for over five decades.