21 Jul Lincoln Historic Site: The Ultimate Wild West Drama
This most widely visited state historic site in New Mexico is the most intact nineteenth-century town left in the Southwest and has changed little since the 1880s. The historic site and the surrounding town represent the largest concentration of Territorial Style architecture left in New Mexico.
Lincoln is a town made famous by one of the most violent periods in New Mexico history. Today’s visitors can see the Old Lincoln County Courthouse with museum exhibits that recount the details of the Lincoln County War and the historic use of the “House” as store, residence, Masonic Lodge, courthouse, and jail. Walk in the footsteps of Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, and other famous and infamous characters of the Wild West. Trace the events of 1878 through the Courthouse and the Tunstall Store, with their preserved 19th-century atmosphere.
The Tunstall Store contains19th-century merchandise in the original shelving and cases!
The importance of this community and the significance of the Bonito Valley in the prehistory and history of the Territory of New Mexico are interpreted within some of the 17 structures that comprise Lincoln Historic Site. These historic adobe and stone buildings are preserved as they were in the late 1800s and represent the factions involved in the Lincoln County War, 1878-1881.
Total Trip Time: (leaving parking lot of Ruidoso Convention Center and Tour Completion): 2 hours
Meeting Times: Oct. 16th at 1 PM (Immediately following Conference)
Where to Meet: From I-25, 10 miles south of Socorro, take U.S. 380 east. It is 98 miles from San Antonio to Lincoln. From U.S. 70 between Roswell and Ruidoso, take U.S. 380 west. It is 10 miles to Lincoln. For GPS users, please use “Lincoln, NM” as your destination, with no street address.
Tour Leader: Park Rangers
Actual Tour Time: 1 pm
Terrain: Wheelchair accessible
What to Bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen, boots, hat.
Group Limit: 20
Age Limit: none
Difficulty Level: Easy (walking on sidewalk)
Special Directions, Safety Restrictions, etc.:
Nearby Attractions:
- Smokey Bear Historical Park is 12 miles west in Capitan.
- The Hubbard Museum of the American West is 34 miles by U.S. 380 & U.S. 70 in Ruidoso Downs.
- Valley of Fires National Recreation Area is 34 miles west on U.S. 380.
- Visit the historic Bonito Valley Brewing Company!