Old Lincoln County Courthouse

Structure was built in 1873 – 1874 by L. G. Murphy & Company. Known as the Big House/Store for 6 years, it was destined to become the center of both political and business affairs in Lincoln County. Over its long history, it has contained a general store, Masonic meeting room, bar, billiard room, sheriff's office, jail, living quarters, courthouse, city and county offices, school, and was the scene of Billy the Kid's daring escape when deputies Olinger and Bell died at his hands.

I can't even describe to you in words why this place is so great. You just have to go up there yourself and feel the history. $5 per person to see 4 or 5 museums in the town. It was awesome. Cool town.

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 center of town.

The staff(a guy) was really nice. He explained to me where Billy The Kid was kept, how he escaped etc...
The place is historical with real artifacts. You can see where Billy was kept as a prisoner, the hole in the wall he made with a bullet and much more.

This museum is so great. It seems that time hasn’t changed at all here. The informative posters are not too wordy and boring. The different rooms showcase so much information and period furniture it’s a step back in time.

Interesting museum and a good place to start your visit of the Lincoln state monument. The staff is very helpful and good brochures about the place are available here. Very nice displays and artifacts.

We never, never get tired of this place. We’ve been coming for years, and it’s just as wonderful every time. Thankful for the volunteers and employees who keep this place running.

Awesome town!!! LOVE the history and museum! My kids totally enjoyed the "scavenger hunt" style history lesson they put together for your lesson about the town and it's former glory. Ok I enjoyed it too. This history scavenger hunt/tour takes you from historical spot to historical spot throughout the small town, and SO interesting!! Totally worth seeing, and makes a memory you won't forget. Quaint restaurant as well that is super family friendly. Check it out y'all!!!

I have been here twice and I am ready to go back again. The history of this building permeates the air. I am a history buff of the Old West and I couldn't get enough of this building and the town of Lincoln. An interesting side trip is the town of White Oak to the northwest.

A part of history that’s pretty much untouched. The entire town is a historical marker. Brush up on the Lincoln County war starring Billy the Kid before your visit, makes touring this area more enjoyable.

If your into the Old West, Billy the Kid or history in general this is the place to go. It’s like a time capsule.... a small western town just pops up out of the hillside. Worth the stop, friendly locals and rich in history.

Billy the Kid! Lincoln a great stop by if you like the "old west" plenty to see to get your imagination flowing. Be respectful when visiting as people still reside in the surrounding homes.

This is the place to start your day in Lincoln NM buy you admitting to the other museums only downside is if your in a wheelchair you cannot go upstairs as they did not yet have elevators at the time of it's construction

Amazing place to visit. They have done a great job keeping things original and explaining everything that happened there. A must see!

History that is all around you and tangible. Closest you will get to time travel. This town is beautiful,amazing, and haunting!

My parents took me to see "the jail & courthouse where "Billy The Kid" was held awaiting trial (and the window where Billy killed the deputy, when he escaped...He said "Hello Bob" and shot ...The Lincoln County war also happening at the same timeframe

Maybe my favorite place on our Great American Road Trip! Better than Tombstone!

Wonderful historical site!! Very pleased with the quality of the entire town for historical study!!

If you like the history about Billy the kid this is the place for you to visit.

A great place to walk through, the whole town is a museum.