1. 1787: Battle of Las Vegas
On October 19, 1787, the Battle of Las Vegas took place near present-day Las Vegas, New Mexico, during the trade war between Comanche and the Spanish Empire. The Spanish force led by Governor Juan Bautista de Anza defeated the Comanches, demonstrating the power of the Spanish military in the region.

2. 1864: Battle of Adobe Walls
On October 19, 1864, the Battle of Adobe Walls occurred in the Texas Panhandle. A group of 28 hunters, traders and buffalo skinners led by legendary frontiersman William "Buffalo Bill" Cody successfully defended themselves against a large force of Native American warriors during the American Indian Wars.

3. 1876: Lincoln County War
On October 19, 1876, Alexander McSween, the lawyer for Lincoln County business rivals, was assassinated during the Lincoln County War in New Mexico. This conflict, which involved factions of cattle rustlers and their supporters, resulted in several deaths and the involvement of notable figures of the Old West like Billy the Kid.

4. 1965: Petrified Forest National Park
On October 19, 1965, Petrified Forest National Park was established in northeastern Arizona, bordering New Mexico. The park covers over 230 square miles and is known for its petrified wood, as well as colorful formations of badlands, mesas, and hoodoos.

5. 1981: Space Shuttle landing
On October 19, 1981, Space Shuttle Columbia made its first landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico, marking the first time a manned spacecraft landed on a concrete runway. This landing site, located in the Tularosa Basin, was chosen because of its long and wide runway, dry climate, and several miles of clear space for the landing approach.