After a good night's sleep, we left Ruidoso and the pine trees and mountains,
and headed to our first stop of the day, Fort Stanton. While the rest of our trip was focused on nature and being outside, Sunday was all about history!
Fort Stanton was established in 1855 as a military base against the Mescalero Apache. The Confederate Army captured it in 1861, but in 1862, it was back under U.S. control. When the Army abandoned the fort in 1896, it was used as a tuberculosis hospital for the Merchant Marine. Over the years, the fort also served as a WWII internment camp, low-security women's prison and more.
Officer's quarters
Catholic chapel
Today, the state of New Mexico is restoring the fort. The bunkhouse looks as it might have in 1855. There were even costumes available to try on!
Next up, we visited the historic town of Lincoln, which is in the heart of Billy the Kid country. Lincoln was home to the Lincoln County War, which was a battle between two groups who were trying to monopolize trade with nearby Fort Stanton and Lincoln County. Billy the Kid is the most famous outlaw in this war.
Outside the Visitor Center
Billy the Kid
The Torreon (tower), where sharpshooters were stationed
This is the Lincoln County Courthouse, but it was also the original dry goods store in town, commonly known as "The House."
Billy the Kid was held prisoner in the upper left corner of the building, and during his escape in 1881, he killed two deputies.
Lincoln was a fascinating historic town and I'm so glad we stopped in for a visit! If you go, be sure to have lunch at the Dolan House.
Best car snack: local roasted pinon nuts -- so tasty!!
Our final destination of the day was Roswell and a stop at the International UFO Museum and Research Center because we could not pass through Roswell without a visit!
Aliens everywhere!
Contemplating everything he's read...
Gene came away with a t-shirt and Henry bought these funky alien sunglasses (see below).
We stayed the night in Artesia, a small town halfway between Roswell and Carlsbad. We had hoped to go to a local brewpub, but once in Artesia, we discovered that only one restaurant (besides fast food joints) was open on Sunday night! Despite the limited choices, we enjoyed dinner and the cute little town filled with sculptures on almost every corner.
From aliens to Billy the kid, this was one exciting day!
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