The town of Lincoln is nestled in the lush green valley of the Rio
Bonito in Southeastern New Mexico. It lies on US Route 380 about 57
miles west of Roswell and south of the Lincoln National Forest. Lincoln
has been a National Landmark since 1960, and historians often refer to
it as the most authentic Old West town remaining in the United States.
Spanish settlers arrived in the area during the 1840s. By the 1860s,
Lincoln served as a supply center for local ranches, mines, and nearby
Fort Stanton. Lincoln merchants vied for lucrative government contracts,
and the famous Lincoln County War erupted. As a result, Lincoln holds a
unique place in American history, connected with the names of Lew
Wallace, Billy the Kid, Sheriff Pat Garrett, and John Chisum. Seventeen
historic buildings and four museums highlight the town as well as an
annual folk pageant, The Last Escape of Billy the Kid, held since 1949.