Old Lincoln County Courthouse — Attraction in Four Corners States

If you are a Billy the Kid fan or just interested in the history of the Lincoln County Wars, this is one place you don't want to miss. Billy was brought here to stand trial and on April 28, 1881, he made a daring escape, shooting and killing both Deputy James Bell and Deputy Bob Olinger, before freeing himself from his shackles and getting a horse to flee. Pat Garrett's quarters were located on the top floor as well. The museum is well imagined with historical points and markers to show where events occurred. They even claim to have the shackles that Billy the Kid broke out of during his escape. There's also a bullet hole supposedly from Billy's gun that hit the wall behind the flight of stairs where he is said to have shot Deputy Bell. If you look to the southeast of the building from the second-story window, you will see the Wortley Hotel. This is where Olinger was eating with a detachment of prisoners when he heard the shot that killed Bell. He rushed back, but was killed below the window when Billy obtained a shotgun from Garrett's office and used it on Olinger. Be prepared to show your tickets that can purchased at the museum in the...

Courthouse was great. Seeing history up close was fantastic. Only issue was staff. We probably caught the lady at the door on a bad day. (older lady). Seemed to be angry that we didn't know tickets had to be purchased about a quarter mile away. Also didn't see the parking sign looking into the sun when approaching from the east. It was late in the day, Dec. 29th when the sun was low in the sky. When we returned with tickets, she didn't even want to see them. Just waived us through. After we were past her, the courthouse was a great historical...

Don’t miss stopping in this small town full of BIG history. The state has now secured many of the buildings and for a small fee, you can explore the original buildings full of Old West history and lore. There are volunteers and staff that take time to impart historical facts and information that bring the characters and living conditions to life. This “hole in the wall” village is worth the scenic byway and time spent (whether it be an hour or all afternoon).

Lincoln County War and...