Good things come in small packages and if you apply that adage to New Mexico’s small towns, you’ll find hundreds of delightful surprises scattered around the state. One such location? Lincoln, New Mexico.

Home to just one street and more than a dozen preserved buildings, history lives on nearly undisturbed in Lincoln.
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
Located just 57 miles west of Roswell along Billy the Kid Trail and nestled in the Bonito Valley, this tiny town makes for the perfect day trip.
The village is home to the Lincoln Historic Site, a state monument that preserves a collection of 17 adobe and stone buildings that date back to the 1870s and 80s.
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
During this time period, New Mexico was an exceptionally bloody place; the notoriety of the Wild West was in full swing and life was difficult for most in the region.
The historic site documents this laborious lifestyle. It has seven museums that detail life here, including houses...
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
...as well as community buildings. One example is the old county courthouse, which held the infamous Billy the Kid for a time before he was to be executed.
Kent Kanouse/Flickr

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He managed to escape, killing both of his guards and stealing a horse in the process.
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
Other buildings around town don't quite possess the same notoriety but you will find some interesting spots.
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
The general store showcases merchandise in its original display cases.
And the church looks gorgeous with its blue walls, white wooden ceilings, and rich brown pews.
MortAuPat/Flickr
What would you hope to see during a visit here?
The Lincoln Historic Site is located about 57 miles west of Roswell via US-380.
Google Maps

You can visit the site Wednesday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays and major holidays. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 17 and under. You can find additional details on the New Mexico Historic Sites website.

Website: New Mexico Historic Sites
Phone: 575-653-4025

Interested in checking out some other historic towns around the state? Find some of our favorite suggestions in 8 Historic Towns In New Mexico That Will Transport You To The Past.

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Lincoln, NM 88338, USA