1. On June 29, 1850, New Mexico became a territory of the United States under the Compromise of 1850. This agreement allowed for the admission of California as a free state and the creation of New Mexico and Utah territories with the possibility of slavery being determined by popular sovereignty.

2. One of the deadliest wildfires in New Mexico's history occurred on June 29, 2011, in the Gila wilderness. The Whitewater-Baldy Complex fire burned over 465 square miles and destroyed over a dozen homes and structures. It took firefighters over a month to contain the fire.

3. June 29, 1945, marks the birth of Rick Romero, the first Hispanic athlete to play for the University of New Mexico (UNM) Lobos basketball team. Romero was a three-year starter from 1965-68 and led the team in rebounds and field goal percentage during his senior year.

4. The Santa Fe Opera opened its doors for the first time on June 29, 1957. The first production was "Madame Butterfly" by Puccini, and tickets cost $3.50. The venue has since become a renowned cultural institution, attracting opera lovers from around the world.

5. On June 29, 1966, the National Park Service established the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The area features over 20,000 ancient rock carvings or petroglyphs, some of which date back 3,000 years. Visitors can explore several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and an opportunity to learn about the area's rich history and cultural significance.