Lincoln Historic District (Lincoln, New Mexico) facts for kids
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Lincoln Historic District
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Iglesia de San Juan Bautista in 1974
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 Location in New Mexico
Location in the United States
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| Location | US 380, Lincoln, New Mexico |
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| Area | 2,348 acres (950 ha) |
| Built | 1881 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000477 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHLD | December 19, 1960 |
The Lincoln Historic District is a special area in Lincoln, New Mexico. It's like a time capsule, showing how a frontier town looked long ago. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. It includes 48 old buildings. Some are privately owned, and others are part of the Lincoln Historic Site. You can find it about 12 miles (19 km) east of Capitan along U.S. Route 380.
In 1960, this area was named a National Historic Landmark. Experts who visited in 1974 thought it was the best-preserved "cow town" from the frontier days in the whole United States. Seventeen of the buildings are owned by the state of New Mexico. These are managed as the Lincoln Historic Site by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. Four of these buildings are open as museums all year. Two more are open during certain seasons. Famous buildings include the Wright House, Tunstall Store, Old Mill, and the Old Courthouse.
The town is famous for its connection to the Lincoln County War. Many well-known people from that time lived here. It's also where Billy the Kid made his most famous escape in April 1881.
Lincoln's Wild West Story
Lincoln still looks a lot like it did during the Lincoln County War (1878–1881). Back then, its main street was filled with people like Billy the Kid, John Chisum, and Lawrence Murphy. Lincoln is in a valley between the Capitan and Sacramento Mountains in New Mexico.
This town was the scene of Billy the Kid's most famous escape. In April 1881, Billy was being held at the Old Lincoln County Courthouse. He managed to get a weapon. He then escaped from his guards, took a horse, and rode out of town. He was later found and captured by Sheriff Pat Garrett two months later.
Even though Billy the Kid was very famous in Lincoln, he was part of a bigger story. This was the Lincoln County War. This "war" was a big fight between two groups. They were competing for control over important government deals and local resources. The two main groups were led by Murphy-Dolan and Tunstall-McSween. They fought many fierce battles. The effects of their conflict were felt far away, even in the state capital of Santa Fe.
Explore Lincoln's Museums!
Four of the museum buildings are open all year. Two others are open only during certain seasons.
- Old Lincoln County Courthouse - This is where Billy the Kid was held. Exhibits here show how the building was used over time. It was a store, a home, a meeting place, and finally a courthouse and jail.
- Tunstall Store - You can see original items from the 1800s that were sold in this store. It's like stepping back in time!
- Torreon - This is a 20-foot (6.1 m) tall round stone tower. It was built in the 1860s near the town center. It was used as a safe place during conflicts with local groups.
- Montano Store - This museum teaches you about adobe building. It also shows the Hispanic culture that was common during the Lincoln County War.
- San Juan Mission Church (La Iglesia de San Juan Bautista) - Built in 1887, this Roman Catholic Church is open to visitors. It is still used for church services today.
- Anderson-Freeman Visitors Center - This building is newer, but it has great exhibits. It tells the story of Lincoln from early American Indian history up to the Lincoln County War. You can also watch a video about the war.
