1. In 1951, the Kirtland Air Force Base was officially dedicated. It is now one of the largest Air Force bases in the world and a major employer in Albuquerque.

2. On May 22, 1969, the National Hispanic Cultural Center Act was signed into law by Governor David F. Cargo. It led to the creation of the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, which is now one of the top cultural attractions in New Mexico.

3. The first permanent European settlement in New Mexico was established on May 22, 1598, by Juan de Oñate. He founded the town of San Juan de los Caballeros, which is now known as Ohkay Owingeh.

4. May 22, 2004, marked the grand opening of the Santa Ana Star Casino in Bernalillo. It is now one of the largest casinos in the state and a popular destination for gaming and entertainment.

5. The deadliest train accident in New Mexico history occurred on May 22, 1952, in Santa Fe. Two trains collided head-on, killing 28 people and injuring 45 others. The exact cause of the accident is still unknown to this day.