Old Lincoln County Courthouse

The Old Lincoln County Courthouse, located in Lincoln, New Mexico, is a historic site steeped in the lore of the Wild West. Built in 1874, this adobe structure served as the county courthouse and jail, and it was the epicenter of the infamous Lincoln County War, a violent conflict between rival factions in the late 1870s. The courthouse is best known for its association with the legendary outlaw Billy the Kid, who famously escaped from the building in 1881, killing two deputies in the process. Today, the Old Lincoln County Courthouse is a museum offering visitors a glimpse into the turbulent history of the American frontier. Exhibits include period artifacts, historical photographs, and detailed accounts of the courthouse’s role in the Lincoln County War. Visitors can explore the original courtroom, the sheriff’s office, and the jail cells, providing a vivid connection to the past. The courthouse is a key attraction in Lincoln Historic Site, one of the best-preserved 19th-century towns in the American West.