Map of Lincoln County, New Mexico

Lincoln County is a county in the U.S. state of New Mexico. As of the 2010 census, the population was 20,497. Its county seat is Carrizozo, while its largest community is Ruidoso.

Lincoln County overview:
Name:	Lincoln County
FIPS code:	35-027
State:	New Mexico
Founded:	1869
Named for:	Abraham Lincoln
Seat:	Carrizozo
Total Area:	4,831 sq mi (12,510 km²)
Land Area:	4,831 sq mi (12,510 km²)
Total Population:	20,436
Population Density:	4.2/sq mi (1.6/km²)
Time zone:	UTC−7 (Mountain)
Summer Time Zone (DST):	UTC−6 (MDT)
Website:	www.lincolncountynm.gov

Lincoln County location map. Where is Lincoln County?

Lincoln County location on the U.S. Map. Where is Lincoln County. — Location of Lincoln County in the the United States.

Lincoln County location on the New Mexico map. Where is Lincoln County. — Location of Lincoln County in New Mexico.

History

Lincoln County was named in honor of President Abraham Lincoln. It was once the largest county in the United States. In the late 1870s the Lincoln County War began 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 county sheriff, a deputy, and the deputy that killed his friend. 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 amnesty to the combatants to bring a long-lasting truce between the factions.

Most of the population is in the Greater Ruidoso Area. The town of Carrizozo serves as the county seat and is 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 on the southern end of the county and southeast of Ruidoso operates the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino. The track hosts both thoroughbred and quarter horse racing, notably the All American Futurity, the richest 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.