Lincoln Historic Site
The most widely visited state historic site in New Mexico
The story of the American West was never more real than in Lincoln, New Mexico. On what President Hayes once called "the most dangerous street in America," the dramatic clashes between the town's businessmen, outlaws, and lawmen came to be known as the Lincoln County War.
Now, people from across the world are drawn to Lincoln Historic Site, which recounts the stories of Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, John Tunstall, and many more. Preserved as it was in 1880, the town offers visitors plenty to explore, from the Lincoln County Courthouse and the “Convento,” which was the first courthouse, to the Tunstall Mercantile, with its original merchandise. Go inside the San Juan Chapel, a frontier church, or cross the street to see the Torreón, a rock defensive tower which was the first structure constructed in the village. Here is a tale fueled by ambition, greed, corruption, violence, and the uncanny ability of William H. Bonney to escape from jail. Billy the Kid remains an enigma as he continues to elude his modern pursuers — historians.
Visitors are invited to learn the gnarly details of the story in the site's museum, explore 17 of the town's historic structures, and trace the story from its hopeful beginning to dramatic ending.
New Mexico CulturePass
Your ticket to New Mexico's exceptional Museums and Historic Sites.
From Indian treasures to space exploration, world-class folk art to awesome dinosaurs—our museums and monuments celebrate the essence of New Mexico every day.
More Info »
Encounter Culture
Take a look inside the museums and historic sites of New Mexico without leaving home. Join host Charlotte Jusinski, and a variety of guest curators, artists, and exhibitors in exploring the art and culture of the state in Encounter Culture, a new podcast from the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
Featured DCA Exhibitions
The First World War
The First World War exhibition investigates the contributions of New Mexicans to the war, through letters,
more »
John P. Stapp Air & Space Park
Named after International Space Hall of Fame Inductee and aeromedical pioneer Dr. John P. Stapp, the Air and Space Park
more »
Miguel Trujillo and the Pursuit of Native Voting Rights
The New Mexico History Museum is proud to present “Miguel Trujillo and the Pursuit of Native Voting
more »
Telling New Mexico: Stories from Then and Now
Telling New Mexico: Stories from Then and Now sweeps across more than 500 years of history—from the state’s
more »