Lincoln Historic Site | New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

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. 

Buy Tickets Online

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 »

The wallet size version of the CulturePass showing the $30 price
An animated image of a cell phone showing various topics presented in the Encounter Culture podcast

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.

Logo and Link to Google Podcasts Logo and Link to Apple Podcasts Logo and Link to Spotify Podcasts

Featured DCA Exhibitions

A photo featuring items representing the Here, Now and Always exhibition

Here, Now and Always

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture invites you to visit its brand new permanent exhibition, Here, Now and Always,
more »

A photo featuring items representing the Miguel Trujillo and the Pursuit of Native Voting Rights exhibition

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 »

A photo featuring items representing the John P. Stapp Air & Space Park exhibition

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 »

A photo featuring items representing the Early Agriculture exhibition

Early Agriculture

People have been growing food in what is now New Mexico for 4,000
more »