1. In 1776, Governor Tomas Vélez Cachupin established the Villa de Alburquerque, which later became Albuquerque, New Mexico. Today, Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and is known for its rich cultural heritage and unique attractions like the International Balloon Fiesta.

2. On September 9, 1850, the United States government ratified the Compromise of 1850, which established New Mexico as a territory of the United States. This significant event marked the beginning of a new era for the region, as it opened up opportunities for economic and social growth.

3. In 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state of the United States. The capital city of Santa Fe is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in North America and is known for its beautiful adobe architecture, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant art scene.

4. In 1947, the Roswell UFO incident occurred in New Mexico. According to reports, a US Army Air Force balloon crashed on a ranch near Roswell, but some people believed that the wreckage was actually a crashed alien spacecraft. This event has been the subject of much debate and speculation over the years, and has become a pop culture phenomenon.

5. September 9, 2009 marked the 400th anniversary of the founding of Santa Fe by the Spanish explorer Don Juan de Oñate. The city celebrated this milestone with special events and activities, including a reenactment of Oñate's entrada, or entry into the city. Today, Santa Fe is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, southwestern cuisine, and vibrant arts scene.