1. In 1680, the Pueblo Revolt began in New Mexico, as a coalition of Native American tribes rose up against Spanish colonists. The rebellion would ultimately succeed in driving the Spanish out of the region for more than a decade.

2. In 1862, the Battle of Valverde took place near Socorro, as Union and Confederate forces clashed during the Civil War. Despite being outnumbered, the Confederates emerged victorious and continued to control the region for several more months.

3. In 1890, the University of New Mexico was founded in Albuquerque, becoming the state's flagship public university. Today, it is a thriving research institution with nearly 30,000 students.

4. In 1922, the Carlsbad Caverns National Park was established in southeastern New Mexico, preserving one of the world's most spectacular cave systems. The park is still a major tourist attraction, drawing more than 400,000 visitors annually.

5. In 1980, New Mexico Governor Bruce King declared November 28 to be Zia Pueblo Day, in honor of the state's indigenous peoples. The Zia symbol, featuring a red sun with four rays, is a prominent part of the state flag and represents the four cardinal directions.