1. May 17, 1887: New Mexico's First Public Library Established
The first public library in New Mexico was established on May 17, 1887, in Albuquerque. The library, now known as the Special Collections Library, was originally housed in the Albuquerque Public School building and had only 988 books. Today, the library has over 300,000 items, including rare books, maps, and photographs.

2. May 17, 1950: Supreme Court Rules Against Separate Mexican Schools
On May 17, 1950, the United States Supreme Court ruled in the landmark case of Hernandez v. Texas that Mexican Americans could not be excluded from juries. This decision marked a significant victory for the Mexican American community and helped pave the way for the civil rights movement.

3. May 17, 1977: Santa Fe National Historic Trail Established
On May 17, 1977, the Santa Fe National Historic Trail was established by an Act of Congress. The trail spans over 900 miles and traces the historic route between Missouri and Santa Fe that was used by traders in the 19th century. Today, visitors can hike, bike, or drive portions of the trail and learn about the history of the American Southwest.

4. May 17, 1980: Jicarilla Apache Reservation Established
On May 17, 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed into law the Jicarilla Apache Reservation Land Acquisitions Act. The act granted the Jicarilla Apache tribe ownership of nearly 100,000 acres of land in northern New Mexico. Today, the Jicarilla Apache Reservation is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

5. May 17, 2013: New Mexico Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
On May 17, 2013, New Mexico became the 17th state in the United States to legalize same-sex marriage. The decision was the result of a ruling by the New Mexico Supreme Court, which declared that the state's constitution allowed for same-sex marriage. The ruling made New Mexico the only state in the Southwest to recognize same-sex marriage.