Lincoln County, New Mexico, is a place steeped in history and legend. From the days of the Wild West to modern times, this area has played a significant role in the development of the American Southwest.

In 1868, Captain Saturnino Baca became an affiliate of Lawrence G. Murphy and his companions, who were connected to The Santa Fe Ring. The goal of this was to obtain more legal power behind them on paper. Captain Baca was then elected to the legislature from Socorro County, and his first mission was to form a new county. Ring member, Thomas B. Catron requested the assistance of Captain Baca to get himself seated in the legislature, promising to use his influence to pass the county bill. Baca asked Catron to write up his resolution for membership.
When the proposal passed unanimously, Catron was sworn in as a member, and he in turn presented the Baca Bill on January 16, 1869, creating Lincoln County, which passed without any opposition. The legislators suggested naming the county Baca County, but Captain Baca declined the honor and requested that it be named after President Abraham Lincoln. The establishment of Lincoln County was made possible by the large county of Socorro to split its land mass in half. The county seat was then made to be Placita Del Rio Bonito, which was later called Lincoln.

 The movement for the establishment of a new county in New Mexico was spearheaded by Saturnino Baca, with the support of a committee of eminent citizens striving for orderliness in the region. Baca was named “the father of Lincoln” The committee members included Lawrence G. Murphy, who was then serving as the post trader at Fort Stanton, and William Brady, a retired Major in the army.
Florencio Gonzales, a rancher, and Dr. J. H. Blazer also lent their expertise to the committee. Major Brady was appointed as the first sheriff of the county by the Governor, while Dr. Blazer, Florencio Gonzales, and Paul Dowlin were chosen as county commissioners. Captain Baca was selected as the first probate judge. He served the county not only as a probate judge but also as sheriff for a year after Brady.

 There has been conjecture regarding the involvement of the Santa Fe Ring in the numerous county line alterations within Lincoln. It has been verified that Murphy/Dolan and their associates not only profited from their own cattle operations but also stole Chisum’s cattle when obliged to fulfill the contracts for the Mescalero agency. John Chisum used The Pecos river from Fort Sumner on down to the NM border to graze cattle. When king cattle rancher, Chisum appealed to legal channels in Dona Ana County, about theft on the lower part of the Pecos, the county lines were redrawn to the jurisdiction of Lincoln County. Chisum knew the corrupted law enforcement in Lincoln would not help him.

On February 15, 1878, the county of Lincoln underwent an expansion, resulting in a more extensive jurisdiction for Lincoln’s law enforcement. This move took half the land mass from the county to the south, Dona Ana. The addition of the Pecos area and John Chisum’s property to their control was a significant change. However, this expansion also meant that Dolan’s men could potentially exploit this power and pillage Chisum’s herds without any legal repercussions.
It is unfortunate that this could occur due to the alignment of the law with corrupt individuals like Dolan.It is pertinent to ask whether this was happenstance or an example of government corruption at its most egregious.

By 1884 Lincoln County was shortened from its southern border back up to allow Dona Ana to claim the southern region of the territory again. On February 12, 1889 a decision was made to again alter the county line to make room in the bottom right corner of New Mexico’s boundaries for the county of Eddy. Lincoln county however was vibrant  center of mining and ranching activity, but the county’s most famous event is undoubtedly the Lincoln County War.

 This infamous conflict saw rival factions vying for control of the county’s lucrative land and business interests, particularly in the government’s contract to the Mescalero Reservation. Figures such as Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett became household names as the conflict escalated, culminating in the famous escape at the Lincoln County Courthouse, where Billy the Kid escaped death by eliminating his captors.

Lincoln County is also notable for its protected historic sites, including Fort Stanton/Snowy River Cave, Lincoln National Forest, The Valley of Fires and Lincoln Historic District. Visitors can also explore Lincoln’s ghost towns such as White Oaks and Jicarilla. Today, Lincoln County is a thriving community that celebrates its past while continuing to embrace innovation and progress.

In August of 1944, the Forest Service of Lincoln County created Smokey the Bear as a mascot to raise awareness about fire safety in the dry climate of New Mexico. This was done in memory of a real bear that died in a wildfire. Smokey the Bear remains an enduring symbol of fire safety and the importance of taking precautions to prevent wildfires. And remember…”only YOU an prevent forest fires!”

Lincoln County’s history offers interesting insights regarding civic developments within New Mexico. Since the decline in population in the town of Lincoln due to the railroad placements, it resulted in Carrizozo being named as the county seat in 1913. Presently, the County of Lincoln spans across an area of 4,831 square miles, with its largest settlements being Alamogordo and Ruidoso.  

According to historical data, Lincoln County has predominantly supported the Republican party, with only three instances of democrat victories dating back to 1912. The most recent census indicates that the population of the county has grown significantly from 7,822 in 1910 to 20,269 in 2020.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating corner of the world, Lincoln County, New Mexico, is a must-visit destination. With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, it offers something for everyone.