1. On October 25, 1825, the Mexican governor of New Mexico granted a land grant to William Becknell for the purpose of opening a trade route between Missouri and Santa Fe. This trade route, known as the Santa Fe Trail, helped to stimulate commerce and economic development in the region.

2. In 1883, the New Mexico Penitentiary opened its doors for the first time on October 25. The prison was one of the largest in the country and housed inmates from around the American Southwest.

3. On October 25, 1898, the first train crossed the Raton Pass in northern New Mexico. The pass was an important transportation route for the Santa Fe Railroad and facilitated the movement of goods and people across the Rocky Mountains.

4. In 1940, the United States government established Kirtland Army Air Field (now Kirtland Air Force Base) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The base played a critical role in World War II and has since served as a major hub for military and scientific research.

5. On October 25, 1980, the El Malpais National Monument was established in western New Mexico. The monument, which covers over 110,000 acres, features sandstone cliffs, volcanic features, and ancient archaeological sites. It is a popular destination for hiking and exploring the unique landscape of the Southwest.