Historic Lincoln, New Mexico, is a small town with a big story to tell. Nestled in the rolling hills of Lincoln County, this unassuming village is one of the most significant historical sites in the American Southwest. Known for its role in the infamous Lincoln County War and its association with the legendary outlaw Billy the Kid, Lincoln offers a unique window into the turbulent days of the Wild West. Today, the town is preserved as Lincoln Historic Site, a living museum where visitors can step back in time and experience the rich history of the area.
The Lincoln County War
The most famous chapter in Lincoln’s history is the Lincoln County War, a violent conflict that erupted in the late 1870s. At the heart of the conflict was a power struggle between rival factions vying for control of the county’s lucrative cattle industry. On one side were Lawrence Murphy and James Dolan, established merchants who controlled much of the commerce in Lincoln. On the other side were John Tunstall and Alexander McSween, newcomers who sought to challenge their monopoly.
Tensions boiled over in 1878 when Tunstall was murdered by a posse loyal to the Murphy-Dolan faction. This event set off a series of retaliatory killings, with both sides engaging in acts of violence. One of Tunstall’s employees, a young man named William H. Bonney—better known as Billy the Kid—became a central figure in the conflict, fighting on the side of the Tunstall-McSween faction, known as the Regulators.
The Lincoln County War reached its climax with the “Battle of Lincoln,” a five-day gunfight that left several dead, including McSween himself. While the Murphy-Dolan faction ultimately emerged victorious, the war left Lincoln County in chaos and solidified Billy the Kid’s reputation as one of the West’s most notorious outlaws.
Billy the Kid’s Legacy
Billy the Kid’s connection to Lincoln is one of the town’s biggest draws. He was involved in several notable events here, including the daring jailbreak in which he killed two deputies while escaping from the Lincoln County Courthouse in 1881. This event is one of the most famous episodes in the life of Billy the Kid and is part of the lore that surrounds him to this day.
Visitors to Lincoln can explore the historic courthouse, where Billy the Kid was held and from which he made his legendary escape. The courthouse has been preserved much as it was in the 19th century, providing a tangible connection to this infamous moment in history.
Lincoln Historic Site
Today, Lincoln is one of the best-preserved Old West towns in the United States. The Lincoln Historic Site includes more than a dozen historic buildings that have been restored and are open to the public. Walking down the main street of Lincoln is like stepping back in time, with buildings such as the Tunstall Store, the Torreon, and the Montano Store offering insights into life in the late 1800s.
The Tunstall Store, where John Tunstall once operated his business, is now a museum filled with artifacts from the era. The Torreon, a stone tower built by Spanish settlers, served as a refuge during Apache raids and remains a symbol of the town’s early history. The Montano Store offers a glimpse into the mercantile life of the period, with exhibits showcasing the goods that were once traded here.
In addition to the buildings, the Lincoln Historic Site hosts events throughout the year, including reenactments, lectures, and living history demonstrations that bring the town’s storied past to life. The annual Billy the Kid Pageant, held each August, is a popular event that draws visitors from near and far to experience the drama and excitement of Lincoln’s history.
Conclusion
Historic Lincoln, New Mexico, is more than just a collection of old buildings; it is a place where the past is palpably alive. The town’s association with the Lincoln County War and Billy the Kid has cemented its place in American folklore, but its significance goes beyond the legend. Visiting Lincoln offers a chance to explore the real history of the Old West, to walk the streets where infamous outlaws and lawmen once walked, and to connect with a time when the frontier was still wild. For history enthusiasts, Old West aficionados, and anyone curious about the past, Lincoln is a destination not to be missed.
