1. 1880 – The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is established in New Mexico. The monument, located in the Gila Wilderness on the Gila National Forest, protects a group of ancient cliff dwellings believed to have been built by the Mogollon people in the 13th century.

2. 1910 – The New Mexico State University is officially dedicated in Las Cruces. Founded in 1888 as the Las Cruces College, it is the oldest public university in the state.

3. 1939 – John F. Kennedy visits the WPA-built Carlsbad Caverns National Park during his tour of the Southwestern United States. Kennedy later becomes the 35th President of the United States in 1961.

4. 1950 – Two U.S. Air Force planes collide over Las Vegas, New Mexico, killing ten people. The crash is one of the worst aviation disasters in New Mexico history.

5. 1980 – The University of New Mexico football team defeats Brigham Young University 44-41 in the 8th annual Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California. It is the first bowl victory in school history for the Lobos.