Lincoln, New Mexico's historical significance is forever linked to the Lincoln County War, a violent conflict between rival factions vying for regional economic dominance. Central to this conflict was a young outlaw, eventually known as Billy the Kid, whose exploits during and after the war catapulted him into the annals of American folklore. Lincoln's narrative is a microcosm of the broader themes of justice, rebellion, and the quest for power that defined this era in American history.

Following his death, interest in the life of Billy the Kid increased significantly, fueled in part by the publication of The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid, ghostwritten by Ash Upsom for Sheriff Patrick Garrett. This book and the tales spun by Dime Novel writers played a crucial role in immortalizing Billy the Kid as an international icon. Overnight, Billy the Kid became an emblem of rebellion and a global cultural icon, transcending his historical roots to captivate imaginations worldwide. His exploits, characterized by gunfights, jailbreaks, and a dramatic demise at the hands of Sheriff Pat Garrett, have been embellished into legend, blurring the lines between fact and folklore. This mythologization has propelled him to legendary status, ensuring his story's retelling across every media imaginable.

The fascination with Billy the Kid has inspired countless works, ranging from scholarly biographies to dime novels and comic books, each exploring different facets of his life and legacy. His story has been a staple in cinema from the silent film era to contemporary blockbusters, reflecting each generation's interpretation of the infamous outlaw. Moreover, Billy's narrative has extended into ballets, theater productions, and radio dramas, showcasing his enduring appeal in traditional and avant-garde artistic expressions. It is undeniable that Lincoln’s connection to Billy the Kid has motivated many champions of preservation in Lincoln, and his legendary figure still draws thousands of visitors to the town each year, eager to walk in the footsteps of a Western Legend.

Shortly after citizens of Lincoln County voted to move the county seat from Lincoln to Carrizozo in 1909, residents began pushing for efforts to protect the town’s historical integrity. These efforts were bolstered by a renewed fascination with the history of the Lincoln County War and Billy the Kid, culminating in the release of The Saga of Billy the Kid by Walter Noble Burns in 1927. Burns' best-selling book rekindled interest in Lincoln's past, helping to justify preservation efforts. 1934, the town completed its first significant preservation project—restoring the historic Torreon. This project, funded by the Works Progress Administration, was conducted under the direction of the Chaves County Historical and Archaeological Society and inspired additional efforts.

The restoration of the Torreon moved residents and their congressional representatives to lobby the federal government for support in continued efforts—specifically, the transfer of properties in Lincoln to the growing National Park Service. This effort ultimately failed, and in response, local advocates formed the Lincoln County Society of Art, History, and Archaeology, shifting their focus to state-level preservation. This movement proved successful, and in 1937, the state of New Mexico took ownership of the Historic Lincoln County Courthouse, opening it as a State Monument and museum in 1939. 

Lincoln’s preservation momentum continued after the opening of the museum. Along with communities across the state, Lincoln participated in New Mexico’s Coronado Quatrocentenial Celebration by staging the performance of the “Last Escape of Billy the Kid” folk pageant in 1940. Then, in 1949, the state legislature established the Old Lincoln County Memorial Commission, tasking the new entity with spearheading the restoration of key buildings in Lincoln. Over the next three decades, the commission carried out its mission with vigor, purchasing and preserving several historically significant buildings in town, including the Tunstall Store, the Brent House, the Convento, and the Wortley Hotel. The commission also worked to elevate Lincoln’s status as a historically significant site, succeeding in 1960 in designating the Lincoln Historic District as a National Historic Landmark.

With nearly two decades of success to build on, residents and preservation advocates took efforts to a new level during the 1970s. In 1972, the Lincoln County Commission approved an ordinance aimed at ensuring that the integrity of the Lincoln National Historic District remained intact. Then, in 1974, the state of New Mexico released a massive strategic planning document for the Lincoln community, laying out a roadmap for the town's continued preservation. However, a lack of increased state funding created obstacles to the community’s plan to implement the strategies outlined in the document. These funding challenges resulted in a pivotal moment in Lincoln's preservation history—the Lincoln County Heritage Trust creation in 1975. This private non-profit organization was the brainchild of businessman and philanthropists Robert O. Anderson and Gaylord Freeman, supported by others, including artists Peter Hurd and Peter Rogers. Over the next two decades, this organization played a critical role in restoring and maintaining several key buildings in Lincoln and constructed the town’s visitor center and museum. 

During the 1980s and 1990s, the State Monument Division (now the New Mexico Historic Sites Division) worked with the Lincoln County Heritage Trust to preserve several additional buildings in town and ensure that the county preservation ordinance remained in place. In 1999, the Lincoln County Heritage Trust gifted all of its properties in Lincoln to the Hubbard Museum of the American West. Using funds secured through a large National Scenic Byways grant, the Hubbard Museum continued efforts to preserve and restore the buildings in Lincoln until 2006, when they gifted all of their town assets to the State of New Mexico. Since then,  the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has worked hand-in-hand with residents and organizations like the Friends of Historic Lincoln to ensure that the town of Lincoln remains preserved for generations to come.

The story of Lincoln's preservation is a testament to the power of community, the importance of heritage, and the magnetic appeal of its historical figures, particularly Billy the Kid. The town is a beacon for those who value the stories and struggles that have defined the American West, ensuring that these narratives endure for future generations to explore and appreciate. Lincoln's journey from a bustling frontier town to a preserved historical site reflects a broader commitment to remembering and honoring the past, making it an invaluable asset for lovers of history and those seeking inspiration to preserve the past.