Lincoln, New Mexico - The Wild Wild West Frozen in Time

Lincoln - Wild Wild West Frozen in Time

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The fugitive Billy soon formed a gang, referred to as the "Rustlers" or simply Billy the Kid's Gang, and survived by stealing and rustling cattle. Billy and his gang would be actively pursued by Pat Garrett especially after Governor Wallace put a $500 reward on his head in December, 1880.

Garrett and his posse finally captured Billy the Kid and his gang of "Rustlers" on December 23, 1880. After a trial in Mesilla, New Mexico in April, 1881, Billy was taken to Lincoln, where he was scheduled to be hanged on May 13th. However, Billy escaped on April 28th, killing both of his guards while Garrett was out of town.

It would be his last escape; however, as Garrett tracked him down to Fort Sumner, where he shot and killed the teenage outlaw on July 14, 1881.

Billy the Kid Enhanced Photo.

This image available for photographic prints and

downloads HERE!

During Lincoln's violent heydays, more than 450 people made their homes there and when the town calmed down, Lincoln continued to serve as a supply center for area ranches and mines and by 1888, reported a population of about eight hundred residents. However when the railroad moved to nearby Carrizozo, the town began to decline in population and by 1909 lost its county seat status to Carrizozo.

Over the decades, the population continued to decline to its current population of only about 75. However, amazingly, many of its old buildings were preserved. Today, the old settlement is officially referred to as the Lincoln State Monument and is the most widely visited state monument in the state. The historic site includes 17 structures and outbuildings, three of which are museums.

Representing the Territorial style of adobe architecture historic buildings line both sides of Lincoln's mile long Main Street. The gurgling Rio Bonito River still forms the northern boundary of the town that has not been marred with commercial gas stations or convenience stores.

The main visitor’s center is located near the east end of town on the north side of the highway exhibits the role in Lincoln's history of Apaches, Hispanics, Anglo cowboys, Buffalo Soldiers, and details the Lincoln County War. A brief video further presents Lincoln's history in an old-fashioned theater.

Lincoln's highlight is the old Lincoln County Courthouse on the west end of Main Street, which highlights Billy the Kid's escapades and his escape from the courthouse, complete with a famous bullet hole made during his flight.

Other buildings which can be toured include the Montaño Store, the 1887 La Iglesia de San Juan-Bautista Mission, which still provides services for parishioners; Tunstall Museum and post office, which contains displays of original 19th-century merchandise in the original shelving and cases.

The 1887 La Iglesia de San Juan-Bautista Mission in

Lincoln, New Mexico still serves parishioners today,

February, 2008, Kathy Weiser.

This image available for photographic prints and

downloads HERE!

More old buildings in the town include Dolan’s old home, the defensive torreón (tower) for the village, and the Wortley Hotel, once owned by Sheriff Pat Garrett. Here, was where Deputy Ollinger had his last supper before Billy the Kid shot him and Deputy J.W. Bell down. The historic hotel now serves as an inn and restaurant. The Juan Patron House has been converted into a bed-and-breakfast inn.

Old Lincoln Days, held on the first full weekend in August, provides living-history demonstrations of traditional crafts, musical programs, and food booths throughout the village. An annual folk pageant, The Last Escape of Billy the Kid, presented outdoors since 1949, portrays a highly romanticized version of the Lincoln County War during August weekends.

Other special events are scheduled throughout the year.

From about March to November, visitors can ride in a four-horse-drawn Lincoln County Overland Stage. The morning and afternoon rides provide for 2 hours rides, which cover 5 ½ miles of an old stagecoach route from near Lincoln to the Old Fort Stanton cemetery.

Contact Information:

Lincoln State Monument

P.O. Box 36
Lincoln, New Mexico 88338

505-653-4372

Also See:

Billy The Kid - Teenage Outlaw of the Southwest

Lincoln Ghost Town Gallery

New Mexico's Lincoln County War

Pat Garrett - An Unlucky Lawman

Lawrence Murphy - Scoundrel Behind the Lincoln County War

Lincoln, New Mexico in the late 1800's.

This image available for photographic prints

and downloads HERE!

Old Lincoln, New Mexico maintains some 17 old structures

in its historic district, February, 2008, Kathy Weiser.

This image available for photographic prints

and downloads HERE!

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From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Old West Books - Legends of America and the Rocky Mountain General Store has collected a number of Old West books for our frontier enthusiasts. For many of these, we have only one available. To see this varied collection, click HERE!