Lincoln County

Lincoln County is an administrative division in New Mexico covering roughly 4,830 square miles (12,500 square kilometers) of terrain. The county encompasses several communities, including Carrizozo and Ruidoso, positioned across the landscape.

The Lincoln County War erupted during the 1870s as an armed conflict between rival rancher and merchant factions. William Bonney, known as Billy the Kid, played a key role in the fighting until territorial governor Lew Wallace extended an amnesty offer to end the hostilities.

The Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino draws visitors throughout the year for horse racing events, with the All American Futurity being one of the region's most important competitions. These races have become a central gathering point for people interested in equestrian sports.

The region is best accessed through its main communities, with Ruidoso and Carrizozo serving as good starting points for exploration. Visitors should expect varying elevations and transitions between flat and hilly terrain throughout the area.

The area holds strong connections to Wild West history, with several locations preserving memories of the era's conflicts and frontier figures. Today visitors can explore historical sites that document this tumultuous past.

Location: New Mexico

Inception: 1869

Capital city: Carrizozo

Shares border with: Torrance County, Guadalupe County, De Baca County, Chaves County, Otero County, Sierra County, Socorro County

Website: http://lincolncountynm.net

GPS coordinates: 33.74000,-105.46000

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:07