1. On March 1, 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state to join the United States. The path to statehood was long and difficult, with various political and economic factors delaying the process by several years. However, New Mexico's rich culture, diverse population, and abundant natural resources ultimately convinced Congress to grant statehood to the territory.

2. March 1 is also the birthday of the famous artist and author Tony Hillerman. Born in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma in 1925, Hillerman is best known for his Navajo Tribal Police procedural novels, which feature the characters Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. His books are beloved by fans of crime fiction and are praised for their authentic depictions of Navajo culture and Southwest landscapes.

3. On March 1, 1979, the tragic Happy Canyon Fire broke out near Los Alamos, New Mexico. The fire, which burned for several days and ultimately consumed over 15,000 acres of land, was caused by a combination of high winds, dry conditions, and human error. Despite the heroic efforts of firefighters and local residents, several homes were destroyed, and one person lost their life.

4. March 1 marks the beginning of Women's History Month, a national recognition of the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. New Mexico has a particularly rich history of women's activism and leadership, from Pueblo women's resistance to Spanish colonization to the rise of Chicana feminism in the 1970s.

5. Finally, March 1 is a special day for two of New Mexico's most beloved cultural traditions: piñon picking and hot air ballooning. As the weather begins to warm up, many New Mexicans head into the forests to collect pine nuts from piñon trees, a cherished culinary ingredient and source of income for local businesses. Meanwhile, the town of Albuquerque prepares to host the annual International Balloon Fiesta in October, one of the largest hot air balloon events in the world.