LINCOLN AND CAPITAN, NEW MEXICO

At the Lincoln State Monument we tour the courthouse where Billy the Kid made his famous escape in 1881. There are 16 buildings in Lincoln that are included in the state monument. Many historians say this is the best preserved old west town in America. This is where the Lincoln County wars were fought. President Hayes proclaimed Main Street to be the deadliest road in the U.S.

In Capitan we visit the Smokey Bear Historical Park. This is where a black bear cub was found after a forest fire in 1950. His burns were nursed back to health and he became the living symbol for fire prevention for the Forest Service. We cruise through Fort Stanton which garrisoned the famous Buffalo Soldiers. This all black unit helped bring the renegade Indians in the area under control. We head south for Sonic burgers and park at Walmart for the night

Adobe ruins.

Scenic view.

Historic Lincoln New Mexico

Lincoln Courthouse where Billy the Kid was jailed.

Adobe ruins.

Torreon

Torreon, built in 1850.

Memorial for Smokey the Bear.

Smokey the Bear grave.

Farmstead with wooden-based windmill.

Scenic view.