Free-wheeling Billy the Kid may have helped start the legend of Lincoln, but it is the tiny New Mexico town’s past and current residents who keep the legends alive through their preservation of the area’s history.
True West Magazine’s 2010 Top True Western Towns lists Lincoln as number eight. Virginia City, Nevada, won the top award. The True Western Towns are featured in the January/February 2010 issue, on newsstands now.
Volunteer groups are the key to Lincoln’s success. Partners in Preservation, the Lincoln County Historical Society and the Old Lincoln Days Pageant Committee work together to preserve the many circa 1880 buildings, including the courthouse (from which Billy the Kid escaped in 1881), the Tunstall Store and the Montano Store.
In addition, the private home of Sheriff James Brent and the Watson House were renovated in 2009. Volunteers are working to restore the interior of the Fresquez House; and the Torreon, a defensive tower favored by fighters during the Battle of Lincoln in 1878, is being re-plastered.
“For such a small town—only 50 people live there full time—Lincoln does some big work,” said True West Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell. “That’s the reason Lincoln is a True Western gem, one that hasn’t changed much since the time of Billy the Kid.”
True West editors determine winners for this annual award based on criteria demonstrating how each town has preserved its history through old buildings, museums and other institutions, events and promotions of historic resources.
True West magazine is in its 57th year of leading the way in presenting the true stories of Old West adventure, history, culture and preservation. For subscriptions and more information, visit twmag.com or call 888-687-1881.