Skip to main content

Lincoln State Monument

Lincoln State Monument

In this quiet one-street community visitors can walk in the footsteps of Sheriff Pat Garrett, Billy the Kid, and other infamous characters involved in the Lincoln County War, 1878-1881. The Anderson-Freeman Visitors Center, the only non-historical building open to the public, has exhibits in a timeline starting with American Indian pre-history and ending with the Lincoln County War. The monument now includes 17 structures and outbuildings, 4 of which are open year round and 2 more seasonally as museums. See the Old Lincoln County Courthouse with museum exhibits that recount the details of the Lincoln County War and the historic use of the "House" as store, residence, Masonic Lodge, courthouse, and jail. Continue your walk through history by visiting the Dr. Woods House, defensive torreón (tower) for the village, the San Juan Mission Church, and the Montaño store.

Enjoy our work? Help us keep going.

Now in its 75th year, American Heritage relies on contributions from readers like you to survive. You can support this magazine of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today.

Donate