Lincoln County, New Mexico

Lincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Mexico. In 2000, its population was 19,411. Its county seat is Carrizozo,^[1] while its largest community is Ruidoso.

History

It was once the largest county in the United States. In the late 1870s the so-called Lincoln County War broke out between ranchers and the owners of the county's largest general store. William Bonney, better known as Billy the Kid, became involved on the side of the ranchers after his friend and employer was killed. In the end, Bonney killed the deputy that killed his friend, another deputy, and the county sheriff. Several other people were slain in the conflict, which included the other leader of the rancher faction. His death ended the conflict. In 1878, the new territorial governor, retired Union General Lew Wallace offered an amnesty to the combatants in order to bring a long-lasting truce between the factions. This was also the home of legendary William Q. Haagus, a famous Irish step dancer. Born in a small cottage in the Irish country side, Haagus stowed away to the U.S. in 1845 when both his mom and his dad were brutally killed in a foundation "rave" (called a jig bash in Ireland). Haagus then worked numerous jobs, and eventually made his way to New York where he met his future best friend, Billy The Kid. Haagus moved to Silver City with Billy and his family and after Billy's mother died, decided to try his Irish luck folk dancing on the streets. Eventually his performances caught the attention of Restaurant chain- owner, Fred Harvey. His music was scheduled in numerous Harvey houses, but he sadly met a painful death on July 13, 1880 due to a horrid case of pneumonia, he died almost exactly a year before his ex-best friend Billy was murdered by Sheriff Pat Garrett. Haagus' remains were then shipped over seas to Ireland, where his solemn grave lies next to his parents and half-brother, Rufus. Today you can learn more about Haagus at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Today, Lincoln County is a much more peaceful county. Most of the population is centered in the southern portion of the county in the Greater Ruidoso Area. The town of Carrizozo serves as the county seat and is located in the Tularosa Basin northwest of Ruidoso. Ruidoso boasts several small suburbs and neighbor communities including Ruidoso Downs, Hollywood, Mescalero, and Alto which contribute to the Ruidoso Micropolitan Statistical Area's population of 21,224. Ruidoso serves as the second largest city in south central New Mexico behind Alamogordo which is 46 miles southwest of the village. Ruidoso Downs located on the southern end of the county and southeast of Ruidoso operates the Ruidoso Down Racetrack and Casino. The track hosts both thoroughbred and quarter horse racing, notably the All American Futurity, the richest race in quarter horse racing. Historical figures from Lincoln County include Billy The Kid and Smokey Bear, whose names help drive the tourism trade that is heavily popularized within the county.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,831 square miles (12,513 km²), of which, 4,831 square miles (12,512 km²) of it is land and 0 square miles (1 km²) of it (0.01%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Torrance County, New Mexico - north
• Guadalupe County, New Mexico - north
• De Baca County, New Mexico - northeast
• Chaves County, New Mexico - east
• Otero County, New Mexico - south
• Sierra County, New Mexico - southwest
• Socorro County, New Mexico - west

National protected areas

• Cibola National Forest (part)
• Lincoln National Forest (part)

Demographics

As of the census^[1] of 2000, there were 19,411 people, 8,202 households, and 5,634 families residing in the county. The population density was 4 people per square mile (2/km²). There were 15,298 housing units at an average density of 3 per square mile (1/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 83.60% White, 0.35% Black or African American, 1.95% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 11.28% from other races, and 2.48% from two or more races. 25.63% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 8,202 households out of which 26.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.60% were married couples living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.30% were non-families. 26.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the county the population was spread out with 22.70% under the age of 18, 6.00% from 18 to 24, 23.20% from 25 to 44, 30.20% from 45 to 64, and 17.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $33,886, and the median income for a family was $40,035. Males had a median income of $27,323 versus $19,923 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,338. About 10.80% of families and 14.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.70% of those under age 18 and 8.70% of those age 65 or over.

Localities

Town

• Carrizozo

Villages

• Capitan
• Corona
• Ruidoso
• Ruidoso Downs

Other localities

• Alto
• Ancho
• Lincoln
• Nogal
• White Oaks

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31.

Coordinates: 33°44′N 105°28′W / 33.74°N 105.46°W

Categories: New Mexico counties | Lincoln County, New Mexico ul>