The Pecos 8 Mile
by J.Young

In autumn of 1879, as per the historical accounts, there was a violation of the promise made by Governor Wallace, which led Billy the Kid and his associates to move towards the Eastern side of Lincoln. Taking The Pecos as their home base, they engaged solely in the activity of rustling. It is believed that during that time, the infamous Billy the Kid made a statement, mentioning that he would continue to reside in the area, and earn his livelihood through irregular means. This information provides us with vital knowledge regarding the actions and attitudes of this notorious figure during this specific period.
The organized attempts started and horses were being unlawfully taken along the southern area of Pecos River and then transported to Tascosa, a bustling town located in the panhandle of Texas. Furthermore, after leaving Texas, LX and LIT ranches became their next targets for stealing the cattle and driving them to Pat Coughlan, also known as “The King of Tularosa” in New Mexico. Mr. Coughlan would subsequently accept the “Kids” stock regardless of its origin to ensure proper fulfillment of his contract with the Army for the Mescalero tribes.The Pecos Valley became “Hot”
Located approximately 30 miles south of Las Vegas, along the picturesque Pecos River, lies an Eight Mile Stretch comprising of 7 settlements – Tecolotito, Upper Anton Chico, Anton Chico, Llano Viejo, La Loma, Llano Medio, Dilia, and Colonias. Among these, Anton Chico, perched at an impressive elevation of 5,253 feet, is the largest settlement. These settlements would become the closest in the Territory to the Great Plains. 
New Mexico was referred to as Nuevo, Mexico from 1598 until 1848, prior to becoming a part of the United States. A peace treaty was signed between the Comanches and Spanish settlers in 1786, which granted settlers permission to migrate up the Rio Grande valley and settle near the Pecos river.
 On May 2, 1822, Facundo Melgares granted the Anton Chico Land Grant to the people of Nuevo. The grant, consisting of 378,537 acres, was signed a year and a half later. Salvatore Tapia and around thirty-five other petitioners requested the land grant, and it was awarded to them under the condition that the grantees take up residence on the land, develop it for future settlers, and defend it.
In 1827, the settlers had to vacate the region as a result of recurrent Indian assaults. Despite the treaty that was agreed upon with the Comanche, it appeared that these attacks were motivated by a desire for revenge.
In the early 1830s, an extensive Spanish resettlement occurred, resulting in the construction of a Torreon in La Loma. The purpose of the Torreon was to provide defense against frequent Comanche raids and attacks. The locals fortified their homes with high walls and built a plaza within the vicinity. Anton Chico was then established as the most extensive settlement out of the seven, and by the 1840s, the population grew to approximately 250 residents residing along the 8-mile stretch.
In 1850, Nuevo was officially recognized as New Mexico, a territory of the United States. During the surveying of the Anton land grant, Mr. Kendall has provided a thorough description of the neighboring village. The village of Anton Chico has approximately two or three hundred inhabitants and is constructed in a square shape with housing units located on the internal side. Despite having entrances on the outer side, they are safeguarded by sturdy doors. The houses have a single story and are built using adobes, large sun-dried bricks, with flat tops. However, they do not contain windows or floors; hence, in terms of comfort and convenience, they are slightly better than the modest wigwams of native Indians. Overall, Mr. Kendall’s report provides valuable insight into the infrastructure and living conditions of the Anton Chico community.
Anton Chico eventually became a popular trading place for bison Hunters and Comancheros (Traders with the Comanche tribe). In 1878 Anton Chico unveiled its large new church called the San Jose.
Anton Chico, historically significant for its association with the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid, drew him to the region in 1879. The town functioned as a probable location for him to dispose of his stolen livestock, apart from being his refuge. Sources indicate that he was known to frequent the basement of Ambercrombie’s Store in Anton Chico, where he perhaps laid low.
On January 14th, 1880, Pat Garrett and Barney Mason exchanged nuptials with their beloved wives in a double wedding at The San Jose Church. Similarly, on January 26th, 1880, George William Robert and Sally Chisum tied the knot at the prominent church.
Just after the capture of Billy the Kid by Pat Garrett’s Posse at Stinking Springs, the law enforcement officials were situated at Anton Chico during the evening of Christmas Eve. At precisely midnight, the officials fired their pistols in celebration of the holiday season.
Anton Chico had about 900 residents in the 1890s, its highest population ever. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Today, only about 200 people live in the area.
Ah, stepping into this place is like taking a time machine back to the days of old – complete with that delightful feeling of being watched by unseen eyes!