BlockBefore

Lincoln County, New Mexico

119 topographic sheets and 2 fire insurance atlases across 1 place.

Research this county

From the record

22 National Register listings published here, 1 of them a National Historic Landmark.

Sources: the National Register database, National Park Service

New Mexico within the United States
Lincoln County within New Mexico
Explore by year 1882 1921

What the record shows

  • 1 place in this county was surveyed for fire insurance: Carrizozo, in 1930.
  • 2 fire insurance atlases survive for the county. Topographic coverage is national; fire insurance survey reached only incorporated places with something worth insuring.
  • 581 topographic sheet readings cover the county's settlements.
  • 22 properties here are on the National Register of Historic Places: 13 buildings, 6 districts, 2 sites and 1 structure.
  • 3 of the 22 listings were added during the 1970s.
  • The Geographic Names Information System records 52 populated places in this county; 52 are covered by at least one topographic sheet.

Photographs

46 photographs, 2018 to 2020

Taken for the Office of War Information and the Farm Security Administration, who photographed the country between 1935 and 1944. Works of United States government photographers, with no known restriction on use. Each opens its catalogue record.

Space alien figures abound outside Fox Cave in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Space alien figures abound outside Fox Cave in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
The small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), was a modestly thriving railroad hub where cattle raised in the vast ranches nearby were shipped off to market
The small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), was a modestly thriving railroad hub where cattle raised in the vast ranches nearby were shipped off to market
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
Humble cemetery in Lincoln, an unincorporated village in southeast New Mexico that was the centerpiece of the three-year-long "Lincoln County War" that began in 1878 and involved gunfights among factions of rival store owners, cattlemen, and outlaws, including the infamous Henry McCarty, better known as "Billy the Kid"
Humble cemetery in Lincoln, an unincorporated village in southeast New Mexico that was the centerpiece of the three-year-long "Lincoln County War" that began in 1878 and involved gunfights among factions of rival store owners, cattlemen, and outlaws, including the infamous Henry McCarty, better known as "Billy the Kid"
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
One of several sculptures of galloping horses, this one of an Arabian breed, at the Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso, New Mexico, which took its name from a track in town that hosts both Thoroughbred and quarter-horse races
One of several sculptures of galloping horses, this one of an Arabian breed, at the Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso, New Mexico, which took its name from a track in town that hosts both Thoroughbred and quarter-horse races
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
Vintage car at an installation that some call "outsider art" in the small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
Vintage car at an installation that some call "outsider art" in the small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The Tunstall-McSween Store in the historic district of Lincoln, an unincorporated village in southeast New Mexico
The Tunstall-McSween Store in the historic district of Lincoln, an unincorporated village in southeast New Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
The small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), was a modestly thriving railroad hub where cattle raised in the vast ranches nearby were shipped off to market
The small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), was a modestly thriving railroad hub where cattle raised in the vast ranches nearby were shipped off to market
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The San Juan Mission, left, and the El El Torreón fortification, center, are two of the features at the Historic Lincoln district in Lincoln, an unincorporated village in southeast New Mexico
The San Juan Mission, left, and the El El Torreón fortification, center, are two of the features at the Historic Lincoln district in Lincoln, an unincorporated village in southeast New Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
According to local lore in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), a neighbor saw, down the road, an installation that some call "outsider art," made from reclaimed pieces of abandoned buildings, accented by various vintages of old cars
According to local lore in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), a neighbor saw, down the road, an installation that some call "outsider art," made from reclaimed pieces of abandoned buildings, accented by various vintages of old cars
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), was a modestly thriving railroad hub where cattle raised in the vast ranches nearby were shipped off to market
The small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), was a modestly thriving railroad hub where cattle raised in the vast ranches nearby were shipped off to market
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
Art gallery in the historic district of Lincoln, an unincorporated village in southeast New Mexico that became was the centerpiece of the violent "Lincoln County War involving gunfights among factions of rival store owners, cattlemen, and outlaws, including the infamous Henry McCarty, better known as "Billy the Kid"
Art gallery in the historic district of Lincoln, an unincorporated village in southeast New Mexico that became was the centerpiece of the violent "Lincoln County War involving gunfights among factions of rival store owners, cattlemen, and outlaws, including the infamous Henry McCarty, better known as "Billy the Kid"
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
Dinosaurs get their own room at Fox Cave (once said to be a hideout for the famous outlaw "Billy the Kid" Bonney) in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Dinosaurs get their own room at Fox Cave (once said to be a hideout for the famous outlaw "Billy the Kid" Bonney) in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
Vintage car at an installation that some call "outsider art" in the small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
Vintage car at an installation that some call "outsider art" in the small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
A Wild West poker game imagined at Fox Cave (once said to be a hideout for the famous outlaw "Billy the Kid" Bonney) in Ruidoso, New Mexico
A Wild West poker game imagined at Fox Cave (once said to be a hideout for the famous outlaw "Billy the Kid" Bonney) in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
The small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), was a modestly thriving railroad hub where cattle raised in the vast ranches nearby were shipped off to market
The small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), was a modestly thriving railroad hub where cattle raised in the vast ranches nearby were shipped off to market
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
El Torreón, a stone fortification in Lincoln, an unincorporated village in southeast New Mexico, utilized by the area's Hispanic settlers in the early 1800s to survive raiding parties by the area's native Apaches
El Torreón, a stone fortification in Lincoln, an unincorporated village in southeast New Mexico, utilized by the area's Hispanic settlers in the early 1800s to survive raiding parties by the area's native Apaches
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
This is what's left in early 2021 inside the Lyric Theatre, in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so
This is what's left in early 2021 inside the Lyric Theatre, in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), was a modestly thriving railroad hub where cattle raised in the vast ranches nearby were shipped off to market
The small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), was a modestly thriving railroad hub where cattle raised in the vast ranches nearby were shipped off to market
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
A sampling of an installation that some call "outsider art," in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
A sampling of an installation that some call "outsider art," in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
Master woodworker, Mike Lagg and prolific artist, Paula Wilson take a break among the pieces of their art installation in the small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo
Master woodworker, Mike Lagg and prolific artist, Paula Wilson take a break among the pieces of their art installation in the small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
A Wild West poker game imagined at Fox Cave (once said to be a hideout for the famous outlaw "Billy the Kid" Bonney) in Ruidoso, New Mexico
A Wild West poker game imagined at Fox Cave (once said to be a hideout for the famous outlaw "Billy the Kid" Bonney) in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
The First Baptist Church in the south-central New Mexico city of Carrizozo
The First Baptist Church in the south-central New Mexico city of Carrizozo
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
Few could miss this display outside Fox Cave (once said to be a hideout for the famous outlaw "Billy the Kid" Bonney) in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Few could miss this display outside Fox Cave (once said to be a hideout for the famous outlaw "Billy the Kid" Bonney) in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
This Pueblo Revival-style structure in the small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), is, as it was when it was completed, the woman's club building
This Pueblo Revival-style structure in the small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021), is, as it was when it was completed, the woman's club building
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
Doorway of an art gallery in the historic district of Lincoln, an unincorporated village in southeast New Mexico that became the centerpiece of the violent "Lincoln County War" that began in 1878 and involved gunfights among factions of rival store owners, cattlemen, and outlaws, including the infamous Henry McCarty, better known as "Billy the Kid"
Doorway of an art gallery in the historic district of Lincoln, an unincorporated village in southeast New Mexico that became the centerpiece of the violent "Lincoln County War" that began in 1878 and involved gunfights among factions of rival store owners, cattlemen, and outlaws, including the infamous Henry McCarty, better known as "Billy the Kid"
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
Space alien figures (and those who examine them) get their own room inside Fox Cave in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Space alien figures (and those who examine them) get their own room inside Fox Cave in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
A three-building block in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
A three-building block in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
This is not some long-ago pileup on the highway
This is not some long-ago pileup on the highway
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
"Rocks" of once-molten lava that exploded from nearby Little Black Mountain 5,000 or so years ago, or relatively recently in geological terms, fill what is now called the Valley of Fires in the Tularosa Basin near the south-central New Mexico city of Carrizozo
"Rocks" of once-molten lava that exploded from nearby Little Black Mountain 5,000 or so years ago, or relatively recently in geological terms, fill what is now called the Valley of Fires in the Tularosa Basin near the south-central New Mexico city of Carrizozo
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The paint spatters on artist Paula Wilson's work-clothes accent the worn but colorful façade of the Lyric Theatre in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
The paint spatters on artist Paula Wilson's work-clothes accent the worn but colorful façade of the Lyric Theatre in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
The most humble of shrines beside the most humble of streets in the south-central New Mexico city of Carrizozo
The most humble of shrines beside the most humble of streets in the south-central New Mexico city of Carrizozo
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
Dinosaurs get plenty of play at Fox Cave (once said to be a hideout for the famous outlaw "Billy the Kid" Bonney) in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Dinosaurs get plenty of play at Fox Cave (once said to be a hideout for the famous outlaw "Billy the Kid" Bonney) in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
Space alien figures abound outside Fox Cave in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Space alien figures abound outside Fox Cave in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
Dinosaurs get their own room at Fox Cave (once said to be a hideout for the famous outlaw "Billy the Kid" Bonney) in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Dinosaurs get their own room at Fox Cave (once said to be a hideout for the famous outlaw "Billy the Kid" Bonney) in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
A sampling of an installation that some call "outsider art" in the small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
A sampling of an installation that some call "outsider art" in the small, south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
A humble sculpture garden in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021) that was a modestly thriving railroad hub where cattle raised in the vast ranches nearby were shipped off to market
A humble sculpture garden in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021) that was a modestly thriving railroad hub where cattle raised in the vast ranches nearby were shipped off to market
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
A wintertime look at the dark fields and low mountains outside the south-central New Mexico city of Carrizozo
A wintertime look at the dark fields and low mountains outside the south-central New Mexico city of Carrizozo
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
A colorful vintage car at an installation that some call "outsider art," in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
A colorful vintage car at an installation that some call "outsider art," in the small south-central New Mexico town of Carrizozo, with a population of 1,000 or so (as of 2021)
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
A lone cactus, well past blooming, does not do much to soften the harsh central New Mexico landscape, near Carrizozo
A lone cactus, well past blooming, does not do much to soften the harsh central New Mexico landscape, near Carrizozo
Highsmith, Carol M, 2020. Library of Congress
Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, U.S. Highway 380, Lincoln, Lincoln County, NM
Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, U.S. Highway 380, Lincoln, Lincoln County, NM
Photographer not recorded. Library of Congress
Courthouse, U.S. Highway 380, Lincoln, Lincoln County, NM
Courthouse, U.S. Highway 380, Lincoln, Lincoln County, NM
Photographer not recorded. Library of Congress
Fort Stanton, Guard House, State Highway 220, Fort Stanton, Lincoln County, NM
Fort Stanton, Guard House, State Highway 220, Fort Stanton, Lincoln County, NM
Photographer not recorded. Library of Congress
Ramon Maes House, U.S. Highway 380, Lincoln, Lincoln County, NM
Ramon Maes House, U.S. Highway 380, Lincoln, Lincoln County, NM
Photographer not recorded. Library of Congress
Dr. Woods House, U.S. Highway 380, Lincoln, Lincoln County, NM
Dr. Woods House, U.S. Highway 380, Lincoln, Lincoln County, NM
Photographer not recorded. Library of Congress
Thomas W. Watson House, U.S. Highway 380, Lincoln, Lincoln County, NM
Thomas W. Watson House, U.S. Highway 380, Lincoln, Lincoln County, NM
Photographer not recorded. Library of Congress
Tunstall Store, U.S. Highway 380, Lincoln, Lincoln County, NM
Tunstall Store, U.S. Highway 380, Lincoln, Lincoln County, NM
Photographer not recorded. Library of Congress

Places on the National Register

22

Every property in this county listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with the year it was listed and the federal nomination document.

Photograph PropertyType ListedReference
Aguayo Family Homesteaddistrict199595001478
Aragon Storebuilding196666000477
Carrizozo Commercial Historic Districtdistrict201616000550
Carrizozo Woman's Clubbuilding200303000995
Dr. Woods Annexbuilding196666000477
Dr. Woods Housebuilding196666000477
El Paso And Southwestern Railway Water Supply Systemsite197979001540
Fort Stanton Administration Buildingbuilding197373001142
Fort Stanton Historic District (Boundary Increase)district200099001679
Gallegos Housebuilding196666000477
Hopeful Lodesite199595001014
Peter and Henriette Wyeth Hurd Housedistrict100011368
Peter and Henriette Wyeth Hurd Housedistrict201414001015
Jicarilla Schoolhousebuilding198383001623
Luna Housebuilding196666000477
Mesa Ranger Station Barn, Lincoln County, New Mexicobuilding2025100011946
Monjeau Lookoutbuilding198887002483
New Mexico Military Institute Summer Camp, Main Buildingbuilding198383001622
Old Dowlin Millbuilding201313000768
Paden's Drug Storebuilding200505000204
Ruidoso Lookout Towerstructure198887002485
White Oaks Historic Districtdistrict197070000403

Digitised newspapers

25 issues

Sampled issues, machine-read from the Library of Congress scan and published page by page, so every headline and column is searchable text.

Carrizozo News

Carrizozo, N.M., 1908 to 192?. Machine-read from the Library of Congress scan.

White Oaks Eagle

White Oaks, N.M., 189? to 190?. Machine-read from the Library of Congress scan.

The Lincoln County Leader

White Oaks, Lincoln County, N.M., 1882 to 189?. Machine-read from the Library of Congress scan.

Golden Era

Lincoln, N.M., 1884 to 188?. Machine-read from the Library of Congress scan.

The Old Abe Eagle

White Oaks, Lincoln County, N.M., 189?. Machine-read from the Library of Congress scan.

White Oaks Golden Era

White Oaks, Lincoln County, N.M., 188? to 18??. Machine-read from the Library of Congress scan.

Carrizozo Outlook

Carrizozo, N.M., 1910 to 1945. Machine-read from the Library of Congress scan.

Photographs from libraries nationwide

2 of 4 shown

Selected from the Digital Public Library of America's 4 image records catalogued for this county. Every one shown here carries a public-domain status or a licence that permits reuse on a site that carries advertising; non-commercial, share-alike and restricted images are excluded. The selection is spread across the county's towns (at most eight per town), so no single institution's bulk upload crowds out the rest. Each opens the holding library's record, and the complete set at the Digital Public Library of America is one click away.

Thunderbird Lodge, Ruidoso, N. Mex., Boston Public Library - undated
Thunderbird Lodge, Ruidoso, N. Mex.. Boston Public Library, via the Digital Public Library of America.
Vaughnland, 20 modern cabins, Ruidoso, N. M., Boston Public Library - undated
Vaughnland, 20 modern cabins, Ruidoso, N. M.. Boston Public Library, via the Digital Public Library of America.

The county from the air

48 shown

Flown by the U.S. Geological Survey between 1937 and 1989, the Aerial Photo Single Frames collection is the definitive mid-century view of the land: fields, roads and rivers as the camera saw them. The Survey holds 6,992 frames inside the rectangle that bounds this county; the 48 frames below were taken over the county itself, chosen across the decades of flights (at most four a year from that rectangle), so one flight cannot crowd out the rest. The full set is free to browse and download at EarthExplorer under the dataset Aerial Photo Single Frames.

U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1954-02-02, scale 1:54000
1954-02-02, scale 1:54000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1954-02-02, scale 1:54000
1954-02-02, scale 1:54000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1954-02-03, scale 1:54000
1954-02-03, scale 1:54000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1954-02-03, scale 1:54000
1954-02-03, scale 1:54000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1963-05-28, scale 1:31800
1963-05-28, scale 1:31800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1963-05-28, scale 1:31800
1963-05-28, scale 1:31800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1963-05-28, scale 1:31800
1963-05-28, scale 1:31800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1963-05-28, scale 1:31800
1963-05-28, scale 1:31800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1966-03-31, scale 1:17800
1966-03-31, scale 1:17800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1966-03-31, scale 1:17800
1966-03-31, scale 1:17800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1966-03-31, scale 1:17800
1966-03-31, scale 1:17800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1966-03-31, scale 1:17800
1966-03-31, scale 1:17800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1971-02-19, scale 1:112584
1971-02-19, scale 1:112584. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1971-02-19, scale 1:112584
1971-02-19, scale 1:112584. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1971-02-19, scale 1:112584
1971-02-19, scale 1:112584. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1971-02-19, scale 1:112584
1971-02-19, scale 1:112584. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1972-08-12, scale 1:24800
1972-08-12, scale 1:24800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1972-08-12, scale 1:24800
1972-08-12, scale 1:24800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1972-08-12, scale 1:24800
1972-08-12, scale 1:24800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1972-08-12, scale 1:24800
1972-08-12, scale 1:24800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1973-05-19, scale 1:33600
1973-05-19, scale 1:33600. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1973-05-19, scale 1:33600
1973-05-19, scale 1:33600. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1973-05-19, scale 1:33600
1973-05-19, scale 1:33600. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1973-05-19, scale 1:33600
1973-05-19, scale 1:33600. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1974-10-02, scale 1:76000
1974-10-02, scale 1:76000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1974-10-02, scale 1:76000
1974-10-02, scale 1:76000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1974-10-02, scale 1:76000
1974-10-02, scale 1:76000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1974-10-02, scale 1:76000
1974-10-02, scale 1:76000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1975-05-03, scale 1:31680
1975-05-03, scale 1:31680. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1975-05-03, scale 1:31680
1975-05-03, scale 1:31680. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1975-05-03, scale 1:31680
1975-05-03, scale 1:31680. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1975-05-03, scale 1:31680
1975-05-03, scale 1:31680. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1978-10-09, scale 1:56457
1978-10-09, scale 1:56457. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1978-10-09, scale 1:56457
1978-10-09, scale 1:56457. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1978-10-09, scale 1:56457
1978-10-09, scale 1:56457. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1978-10-09, scale 1:56457
1978-10-09, scale 1:56457. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1981-04-17, scale 1:24000
1981-04-17, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1981-04-17, scale 1:24000
1981-04-17, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1981-04-17, scale 1:24000
1981-04-17, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1981-04-17, scale 1:24000
1981-04-17, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1982-05-16, scale 1:37400
1982-05-16, scale 1:37400. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1982-05-16, scale 1:37400
1982-05-16, scale 1:37400. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1982-05-16, scale 1:37400
1982-05-16, scale 1:37400. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1982-05-16, scale 1:37400
1982-05-16, scale 1:37400. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1989-07-20, scale 1:24000
1989-07-20, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1989-07-20, scale 1:24000
1989-07-20, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1989-07-20, scale 1:24000
1989-07-20, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1989-07-20, scale 1:24000
1989-07-20, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.

Weather records

69 stations, 12 gages

The thermometers that kept this county's weather, and the gages that measured the flow of its streams, as the federal records hold them. The extremes below are measured values from those records, not estimates.

The 1950 census, district by district

27 districts

Who lived here in 1950, one enumeration district at a time, as the Census Bureau described each district. Each row opens its official National Archives result, with Population Schedules and ED Maps available there.

  • 14-1Election Precinct 1, Lincoln: Election Precinct 1, Lincoln, excluding U.S. Marine Hospital (part)
  • 14-2U.S. Marine Hospital - That part in Election Precinct 1, Lincoln (Remainder of U.S. Marine Hospital is in Election Precincts 9, Capitan and 12, Bonito)
  • 14-3Election Precinct 2, Hondo
  • 14-4Election Precinct 3, Arabela
  • 14-5Election Precinct 4, Picacho
  • 14-6Election Precinct 6, Encinoso
  • 14-7Election Precinct 8, White Oaks
  • 14-8Election Precinct 9, Capitan: Capitan village
  • 14-9Election Precinct 9, Capitan - That part outside Capitan village, excluding U.S. Marine Hospital (part)
  • 14-10U.S. Marine Hospital - That part in Election Precinct 9, Capitan (Remainder of U.S. Marine Hospital is in Election Precincts 1, Lincoln, and 12, Bonita)
  • 14-11Election Precinct 10, Ruidoso: Green Tree village
  • 14-12Election Precinct 10, Ruidoso - That part outside Green Tree village
  • 14-13Election Precinct 11, Nogal
  • 14-14Election Precinct 12, Bonito: Election Precinct 12, Bonito, excluding U.S. Marine Hospital (part)
  • 14-15U.S. Marine Hospital - That part in Election Precinct 12, Bonito (Remainder of U.S. Marine Hospital is in Election Precincts 1, Lincoln and 9, Capitan)
  • 14-16Election Precinct 13, Corona: Corona village
  • 14-17Election Precinct 13, Corona - That part outside Corona village
  • 14-18Election Precinct 14, Carrizozo: Carrizozo village: Carrizozo village - That part Bounded by Village limits; Village limits; U.S. Highway 54, Tularosa Ave., Main, U.S. Highway 54; Village limits
  • 14-19Election Precinct 14: Carrizozo village - That part Bounded by U.S. Highway 54, Main, Tularosa Ave., U.S. Highway 54; Village limits; Village limits; Village limits
  • 14-20Election Precinct 14, Carrizozo - That part outside Carrizozo village, excluding Fort Bliss Military Reservation, Holloman Air Force Base, and White Sands Proving Ground (part)
  • 14-21White Sands Proving Ground, Fort Bliss Military Reservation and Holloman Air Force Base - That part in Election Precinct 14, Carrizozo (Remainder of White Sands Proving Grounds, Fort Bliss Military Reservation and Holloman Air Force Base is in Dona Ana, Otero and Socorro Counties. Part of Fort Bliss Military Reservation is also in Texas)
  • 14-22Election Precinct 16, Ancho
  • 14-23Election Precinct 18, Lon
  • 14-24Election Precinct 19, White Mountain: Ruidoso village: Ruidoso village - That part Bounded by Village limits; Village limits, Fern Ave.; Main Rd., South, Village limits; Village limits
  • 14-25Election Precinct 19: Ruidoso village- That part Bounded by Main Rd., Fern Ave., Village limits; Village limits; Village limits; Village limits, South
  • 14-26Election Precinct 19, White Mountain - That part outside Ruidoso village
  • 14-27Election Precinct 21, San Patricio

Wildfire, 1992 to 2020

1,548 fires

Every wildfire the federal occurrence database records inside this county: 1,548 of them, burning about 487,950 acres. 668 started naturally and 35 were recorded as arson. Each settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it.

Reported cause Fires
Natural668
Missing data/not specified/undetermined426
Recreation and ceremony127
Equipment and vehicle use114
Debris and open burning94
Arson/incendiarism35
Smoking21
Power generation/transmission/distribution20
Railroad operations and maintenance20
Misuse of fire by a minor11
Other causes6
Fireworks5
Firearms and explosives use1

The five largest, by the area the report gives. None of them was recorded as arson.

DateCause SizeReported by Name on the report
28 June 2011Natural101,562 acresNew Mexico State Forestry DivisionDONALDSON
15 May 2004Natural64,488 acresLincoln National ForestPEPPIN
4 June 2012Natural40,000 acresLincoln National ForestLITTLE BEAR
7 August 2011Natural35,165 acresRoswell Field OfficeBATON ROUGE COMPLEX
18 June 2008Natural25,329 acresRoswell Field OfficeBONNIE
19 June 2019Missing data/not specified/undetermined15,000 acresLincoln National ForestPINE LODGE
15 May 2009Natural13,969 acresCapitan DistrictVISTA
15 May 2009Natural13,500 acresRoswell Field OfficeEAST TANSWESTERN

Every settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it - see the settlement index below.

Storms, 1957 to 2025

60 of 344 shown

The NOAA Storm Events Database holds 344 reports for this county, causing 7 deaths, 5 injuries and about $97,493,060 in recorded property damage. Each settlement page carries the reports that name it.

Kind of event Reports
Hail134
Flash Flood115
Thunderstorm Wind36
Tornado23
Debris Flow12
Funnel Cloud8
Heavy Rain7
Wildfire3
Lightning3
Flood3

The most serious of them, by death, then injury, then recorded damage. The accounts are quoted exactly as the forecast office filed them.

WhenEvent Place namedHarm What the report says
July 2025Debris FlowAlto3 killed, $50,000,000Extremely heavy rainfall from slow moving thunderstorms resulted in catastrophic flash flooding and destructive debris flows on and downstream of the South Fork burn scar. Debris flows and a record rise on the Rio Ruidoso from 1.43 feet to 20.24 feet in approximately 30 minutes overtopped bridges and roads, pushed some houses off their foundations and down canyons and hillsides, forced power outages, and resulted in water and sewer services. These extremely high flows destroyed the horse racetrack at Ruidoso Downs. Swift water teams rescued 65 individuals from homes, RV trailers, vehicles and from flood waters and debris flows. Up to 150 families and 400 homes were believed to be impacted and damaged. Tragically, three deaths were reported, including two young children when flood waters and debris flows overwhelmed and destroyed their RV. The parents of these children ended up being hospitalized due to suffering serious injuries while trying to save their children from the floodwaters. Two family dogs were also lost in the floodwaters. A federal disaster declaration was issued by the president two days after the catastrophic flash flooding to help free up federal funds and assistance for recovery efforts.
May 2015LightningCapitan1 killed, 1 hurtKalina Jinzo, a 40-year mother of three, was struck by lightning and killed while traveling from Albuquerque to Ruidoso on a motorcycle on the 15th. Her husband was also struck but his injuries were not life threatening. The woman died several days later in a Lubbock hospital around the 22nd.
July 2008FloodHollywood1 killed, $25,000,000Widespread, serious flooding occurred from the upper canyon of the Rio Ruidoso downstream through the towns of Ruidoso, Hollywood and Ruidoso Downs as far east as Fox Caves. Flooding also occurred along the Rio Bonito from the dam at Bonito Lake downstream to State Road 48. Flooding was extensive in Ruidoso, not only along the Rio Ruidoso, Cedar Creek and other small streams, but also throughout the town from the 6 to 7 inches of rainfall that fell there. One man was killed when we was swept away by the raging Rio Ruidoso, but no other substantial injuries were reported. A total of 500 structures, including campers and mobile homes were damaged. Around 200 houses were damaged, and some were completely destroyed. At least 13 bridges were washed out and several cars were washed downstream. Several dozen recreational vehicles and campers were damaged at an RV park at Ruidoso Downs.
May 2021Flash FloodTinnie1 killed, $60,000Heavy rainfall in the Hondo area caused widespread flooding of roads and low water crossings. The Lincoln County emergency manager estimated that the Rio Ruidoso rose 4 to 6 feet quickly while Alamo Canyon Road south of U.S. Highway 70 was completely inundated. One individual was in their truck at Alamo Canyon Road and became stuck in the low water crossing when the flood waters inundated it. The individual then either tried to escape or the flood waters pulled them out of their truck. Tragically, they drowned, and their body was found the next day. Damages are estimated for the loss of the truck.
October 1996Flash FloodCapitan1 killedno account filed
July 1997LightningAlto2 hurtTwo golf course employees were dazed by a near-miss lightning strike. Both suffered temporary hearing lose and sonic shock.
September 2023HailRamon1 hurtFive vehicles were disabled on U.S. Highway 285 and one occupant sustained cuts to her arms.
July 2013Flash FloodAlto1 hurtEmergency Manager relayed that Bonito Lake Rd. near Bonito Lake was washed out. Storm cell was stationary over area for nearly one and a half hours before it dissipated. Rain gauges across the burn scar area reported rainfall amounts ranging from 0.70-1.50 during this time. A car was washed off the road in flooding location with one occupant needing rescue.
June 2024Debris FlowRuidoso$10,000,000Heavy rains over the recent South Fork burn area totaling up to 1.48 inches at the Cow Mountain RAWS and estimate by radar to have surpassed 2 inches caused flash flooding heavy debris flows along the Rio Ruidoso. This torrent impacted several bridges and water crossings including, N. Eagle Drive, Grindstone Canyon Road, Country Club Drive. Numerous homes were impacted with a total of 26 swift water rescues stretched across the Rio Ruidoso and Cedar Creek drainages through the Village of Ruidoso. Fire crews were pulled out of sensitive areas due to the threat of heavy rains and an evacuation order was issued for the Village of Ruidoso shortly after 4pm MDT. The debris flow eventually reached downstream past the Village of Ruidoso to the Ruidoso Downs Track overtopping the edge of the facility and flowing out over the track. For reference, the Ruidoso Downs Track was constructed over the Rio Ruidoso. Miraculously there were no reports of injuries or fatalities. Damage is an estimate based extent and limited information.
March 2002WildfireAlto$5,000,000no account filed
May 2000WildfireRuidoso$2,000,000no account filed
July 2024Flash FloodRuidoso$750,000Multiple rounds of heavy rainfall from thunderstorms impacted the South Fork and Salt Fire burn scars for a second day in a row. This resulted in exacerbated flash flooding and debris flow in the same locations along the Rio Ruidoso. A house near downtown Ruidoso was reported to have been pushed 10 feet due to flash flooding. A busted water line and gas leak were also reported in the area. An SUV with 3 occupants inside floated down the Rio Ruidoso. Thankfully, all 3 occupants were rescued. The worst impacts from this episode of flash flooding and debris flow occurred on U.S. Highway 70 in Hollywood. The highway and its various intersections, including Mechem Drive and Sudderth Drive were shut down. Fast and heavy debris flow resulted in a road collapse near the Sudderth Dr. and U.S. Highway 70 intersection. The debris flowing down U.S. Highway 70 at one point included a large shipping container. Property damage cost is an estimate.
July 2021Flash FloodRuidoso$750,000Heavy rain along the Rio Ruidoso caused water to overflow its banks which resulted in flash flooding alongside the river. Several bridges, such as the Main Road Bridge, Gavilan Canyon Bridge, and the Eagle Bridge were overtopped and damaged. The McDaniel Bridge in Upper Canyon was completely destroyed. The City of Ruidoso opened a community center for displaced residents and visitors. Damages are estimated for the structural damage done to the bridges. The New Mexico Governor declared a state of emergency for Lincoln County as a result of the significant flooding.
July 2024Flash FloodRuidoso$500,000Heavy rainfall from thunderstorms on the South Fork and Salt Fire burn scars resulted in flash flooding and debris flows across the Upper Canyon and Brady Canyon neighborhoods along the Rio Ruidoso. A bridge on Main Road at McDaniel Road was washed from the debris flow and runoff. Video on social media showed the roof of a house along with other household debris sliding down the Rio Ruidoso upper canyon among fast moving water. Additionally, a woman was trapped in a tree due to high rushing water. Runoff from the rainfall moved downstream through the Rio Ruidoso exceeding its banks and impacting the Fern Trail and Paradise Canyon near downtown Ruidoso. Several car and water rescues were conducted in this area. The Riverside RV Park in Hollywood along the banks of the Rio Ruidoso was completely flooded out. Another video on social media showed the Rio Ruidoso at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino out of its banks flooding the horse racetrack. Additionally, crews with excavators are seen digging up dirt along the banks of the Rio Ruidoso at the racetrack cleaning up prior flash flood damage. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported from the catastrophic flash flooding. Property damage cost is an estimate.
June 2024Debris FlowAlto$500,000Heavy rain totaling 1.48 inches at the Cow Mountain RAWS station and radar estimated to be higher than 2 inches over the recent South Fork burn scar produced life threatening and extremely dangerous debris flows down Cedar Creek just north of Ruidoso. This torrent raged through town overtopping several bridges and crossings including, Mechem Road (NM Highway 48), Paradise Canyon Road, Cree Meadows Road, and Wiley Road. The debris flow also overtopped a small dam near Cree Meadows Road. Fire crews were pulled out of sensitive areas due to the threat of heavy rains and an evacuation order was issued for the Village of Ruidoso just after 4pm MDT. Some people became trapped in their vehicle along Paradise Canyon Road, requiring swift water rescue. This one swift water rescue was one of a total of 26 swift water rescues for the day caused by the flash flooding and debris flow that occurred across the Village of Ruidoso. Miraculously, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities. Damage is an estimate based on cars and road crossings being involved.
September 2001Flash FloodRuidoso$500,000no account filed
July 2025Flash FloodRuidoso$250,000Heavy rainfall fell over the South Fork burn scar near Ruidoso, with on gage measuring 2.14 inches. Flash flooding produced water over roadways and bridges along Cedar Creek at Mechem Drive, Cree Meadows Bridge and Drive, Innsbrook Drive, Starlite Road, White Mountain Drive, Gavilan Canyon Road, Warren Tucker Drive, Reese Drive, Musketball Drive, and Geneva Road. Three swift water rescues were conducted off Gunpowder Trail and Spring Canyon Road. A video was shared of what appears to be a mobile home washed away down Cedar Creek along Paradise Canyon Drive. The Rio Ruidoso crested to 12.68 feet in minor flood stage at 12:40pm MST, reaching out of its banks in numerous locations. Flash flooding impacted as far down Rio Ruidoso as the Ruidoso Downs Race Track.
July 2025Flash FloodAlto$250,000Heavy rains over the South Fork and Salt burn scars in and around Ruidoso resulted in burn scar flash flooding. Flash flooding was reported along multiple portions of Cedar Creek and the Rio Ruidoso, including at Mechem Dr., Brady and Porr Roads, Country Club Road, Robin Road and River Trail, a bridge at Eagle Road, Gavilan Canyon Road, and along U.S. Highway 70 in Hollywood. Spring Canyon Road was washed out and made impassable. Fast moving water was reported over all roads in the Cherokee Village Mobile Home park where a confirmed gas leak was reported alongside a successful swift water rescue of an adult woman. An unknown number of other swift water rescues were conducted in Hollywood. Flash flooding overtopped the bridge on the access road to the Ruidoso Downs racetrack, and flooded the horse tunnel and Spaghetti Flats north and east of the racetrack. Damage is an estimate.
September 2014Flash FloodCapitan$130,000Flooding was reported on State Road 246 at mile markers 4,27-29, and 55-56. Pavement was damaged at mile marker 29. The highway was closed from Capitan to Roswell.
July 2024Flash FloodRuidoso$100,000Heavy thunderstorms on the South Fork burn scar resulted in another round of burn scar flash flooding, debris flow and severe property damage across the Upper Canyon and Brady Canyon neighborhoods along Mechem Drive west of downtown Ruidoso. Bridge 2 at Main Road and Fox Road became impassible due to flooding. Debris flows resulted in arching powerlines over the flood water at Brady Canyon. An SUV was trapped against a tree due to flood waters just north of Brady Canyon Road. There was a rescue of two juveniles from a house at Meander Drive and Paradise Canyon Drive. Runoff from the flash flooding resulted in the Rio Ruidoso to instantly rise to major flood stage and a new record level of 15.80 feet. This resulted in more flash flooding at the Ruidoso Downs Casino horse racetrack. Flash flooding caused damage to the racetrack, two bridges near the entrance of the facility, and in the barn area. After this latest instance of flash flooding, officials decided to shut down the horse racetrack for the remainder of the summer season and move upcoming scheduled races to Albuquerque. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported from this instance of burn scar flash flooding. Property damage is an estimate.
July 2024Flash FloodRuidoso$100,000A late evening batch of moderate to heavy showers passed over the complex of burn scars in and around Ruidoso producing a half inch to one inch of rainfall in the area. Catastrophic flash flooding occurred, focusing through Cedar Creek and the Rio Ruidoso after 11pm MDT. Flood waters overtopping bridges and roadways were reported in several areas including Mechem Dr. at Brady Canyon Dr., U.S. Highway 70 at Cedar Creek, and Paradise Canyon Road at Cedar Creek. Evacuations were ordered from the Upper Canyon area to areas along the Rio Ruidoso from west of town through to mobile home areas near Hollywood along U.S. Highway 70. Several swift water rescues were conducted, including for two vehicles trapped in water near Johnson Rd., an elderly resident who was unable to evacuate on Brady Canyon Dr., and one resident trapped on one side of a bridge at Paradise Rd. and Foothill Rd. that was overtopped by water. Cherokee Mobile Home Park sustained damage with water flowing beneath mobile homes. Home damage was reported along Brady Canyon Dr. from the elderly couple who needed assistance evacuating. A culvert on Cedar Creek above the ranger station was completely torn out and washed out onto the roadway. Rises on the Rio Ruidoso at the Hollywood gage spiked from 1.58 feet to 8.16 feet within 90 minutes before waters started to recede.
July 2022Flash FloodHollywood$100,000The Lincoln County emergency manager reported flash flooding and debris flow from the McBride burn scar at Gavilan Canyon and Warrior Drive. This forced the closure of the roadway. Local law enforcement remarked that this flooding was worse than the event on July 20th. Damages are estimated.
May 2021Flash Flood(4cr)Corona$100,000The NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility southeast of Corona measured 5.77 inches of rainfall is a short period of time which caused flash flooding in the area with unpaved roadways washed out. The extent of the damages is unknown.
June 2014Tornado (EF1)Encinoso$100,000Supercell thunderstorm near Encinoso spawned a tornado along Highway 246 at Richardson Canyon Road. The tornado traveled east-southeast down Richardson Canyon Road, snapping off the tops of trees and breaking numerous branches of Ponderosa pine. The tornado intensified as it approached 2 homes. A single wide mobile home from the 1970s was completely destroyed as the undercarriage was moved about 20 feet and all walls separated and tossed. A double wide mobile home was tossed into a barn and destroyed. Portions of the roof were blown 250 yards away. At least two other homes as well as a barn and shed sustained damage.
September 2001Flash FloodRuidoso Downs$100,000no account filed
June 2025Flash FloodRuidoso$75,000Burn scar flash flooding off the South Fork and Salt burn scars that ran along the Rio Ruidoso from the Upper Canyon down to Hollywood. High water was reported over multiple roadways along the Rio Ruidoso, notably along Ebarb Dr. and Johnson Rd., Mechem Dr., Main Bridge 2, N. Grindstone Canyon Rd., Country Club Dr., Gavilan Canyon Rd., Eagle Dr. Bridge, Sudderth Drive. The McDaniel Bridge in the Upper Canyon area, a small water crossing, was destroyed. Damage is an estimate based on washed out culverts and the destroyed McDaniel Bridge.
August 2022Flash FloodAlto$75,000Heavy rain on the McBride burn scar caused flash flooding along Gavilan Canyon Road near the intersection of Eagle Creek Canyon Road in Ruidoso. Damages are estimated.
July 2025Flash FloodRuidoso$50,000Heavy rain from slow moving storms on the South Fork and McBride burn scars resulted in flash flooding on and downstream of the burn scars. Several roads along and crossing the Rio Ruidoso were closed due to the resultant flash flooding and debris flow in the river. This included Mechem Drive, Ebarb Drive at Main Road and West Redwood Road, Fern Trail at Terrance and Grindstone, Eagle Bridge on Eagle Road, Gavilan Bridge on Gavilan Canyon Road in Hollywood, Cree Meadows at Country Club and Heath, Robin Road, Hull Road, and Paradise Canyon Road. The floodwaters and debris flow washed away a vehicle on Porr Drive. No information was known on if any occupants were in the vehicle at the time. Another vehicle was stuck in flood waters at Apache Hills Drive and Grant Drive. Finally, 2 to 3 inches of water entered a home on Ash Drive.
July 2025Flash FloodAlto$50,000Heavy rains resulted in high water levels along the Rio Bonito and along Sandesta Dr., entering homes in the area. Damage is an estimate.
July 2024Flash FloodAlto$50,000Rainfall amounts of 0.50 to 1.50 inches fell on the South Fork burn scar west of downtown Ruidoso during the early afternoon hours. This rainfall resulted in more burn scar flash flooding and debris flows across neighborhoods in Alto and Ruidoso. The Cherokee Mobile Village along U.S. Highway 70 at the Lincoln and Otero County line was evacuated due to flash flooding. Mechem Dr. became impassible again due to Cedar Creek overflowing its banks and rushing over the roadway. Heavy flows along Cedar Creek caused Mechem Dr. to become impassable, washed out a part of Musket Ball Dr. and brought debris flow over Cree Meadows Drive. Flooding of the Rio Ruidoso resulted in the closure of Gavilan Canyon Road and the evacuation of the Gavilan Mobile Home Park. Debris flow on the Rio Ruidoso destroyed a culvert on the eastern end of the Ruidoso Downs racetrack. Water and debris flow reported west of Alto making NM 532 impassable. Fortunately, no reports of significant water rises were received downstream of the water breach at Ruidoso Downs. Culvert and trailer park damage cost is an estimate.
August 2022Flash FloodHollywood$50,000Heavy rain on the McBride burn scar caused flash flooding along Gavilan Canyon Road, near Warrior Drive. Damages are estimated.
July 2022Flash FloodAlto$50,000The Lincoln County emergency manager reported that an estimated 1.5 inches over the McBride burn scar caused flooding of Lower Eagle Creek with water, mud, and debris over Eagle Creek Road which is also known as New Mexico State Highway 120. Many 6 to 18 inch diameter boulders flowed over the roadway along with large segments of burned timber. Damages are estimated.
July 2022Flash FloodHollywood$50,000Heavy rain on the McBride burn scar caused flash flooding and debris flow within Gavilan Canyon. Photos shared by the Lincoln County emergency manager shows mud and debris across Gavilan Canyon Road which made the roadway impassable. Photos shared also depicted significant flooding and debris flow at the Gavilan Canyon Hideaway and Escape RV Park with mud and debris making roadways impassable. Damages are estimated.
June 2021Flash FloodPine Lodge$50,000Heavy rain near Arabela forced the closure of New Mexico State Road 246 between mile marker 29 and mile marker 31.5. The Lincoln County emergency manager reported that the flood waters washed away the pavement. Damages are estimated for the loss of the road.
June 2014Hail(4cr)Corona$50,000Lots of reports of hail damage across the village of Corona. Numerous homes observed window, skylight, siding, and vehicle damage. Damage primarily occurred on north side of structures. Some livestock was also killed, including four chickens. Most impressive was an almost perfectly circular hole in the back pane of a home window. Back windshield of an Acura was completely shattered out. Most residents confirmed average stone size was around golf ball with larger stones of 2 to 2.75 inches in diameter.
June 2012Flash FloodAlto$50,000Three hundred yards of forest service road 107 washed out between Runnels Stables on northwest end of Little Bear burn scar and Bonito Lake. Debris over the roadway from George Washington Canyon to Bonito Lake. Culverts along forest service road 107 also washed out.
September 1996Flash FloodTinnie$40,000no account filed
June 2025Flash FloodHollywood$30,000Flash flooding off the Salt burn scar coming out of Bear Canyon. Swift water rescues conducted at the Cherokee Mobile Home Park, the Elevate Hotel, and for three vehicles at the Otero Federal Credit Union. Flash flooding reported at the Twin Spruce RV park, U.S. Highway 70 and Sudderth Dr. and U.S. Highway 70 and mile mark 261 closed due to burn scar flash flooding. Damage is an estimate based on vehicles rescues. No injuries or fatalities reported.
July 2021Flash FloodCapitan$30,000Heavy rain near Capitan in Lincoln County resulted in the rapid rise of the Magado Creek near the Capitan Fairgrounds. The Magado Creek rose an estimated ten feet which caused the flooding of a low water crossing in the area and temporarily trapping two unoccupied vehicles. No injuries or fatalities were reported. Damages are estimated for the damage to the two vehicles.
July 2025Flash FloodAlto$25,000Heavy rains over the South Fork and Salt burn scars near Ruidoso produced flash flooding. Water and debris overflowed U.S. Highway 70 at Sudderth Dr. and Ruidoso Downs, White Mountain Dr., Gavilan Canyon Rd. from Alto Cafe to Meander, and Alpine Village Road. The Cherokee Mobile Home village was evacuated with swiftwater rescues performed there, and at Big-O Tires and on Friedenbloom Drive. Damage is an estimate.
August 2022Flash FloodAlto$25,000The Lincoln County emergency manager reported that hours of light, steady rainfall with totals of 1 to 2.5 inches caused burn scar flash flooding on the McBride burn scar near Ruidoso. All of Gavilan Canyon was flooded. Damages are estimated.
July 2018HailCarrizozo$25,000Heavy amounts of hail between the size of nickels and quarters impacted Carrizozo. Several recreational vehicles suffered damage to sky lights. Damage amounts are estimated.
October 2015HailLincoln$25,000Observer reported damage to cars, roofs and windows. Extent of damage unknown.
July 2012Flash FloodNogal$25,000A partial road collapse occurred along Old Bonito Lake Rd due to flash flood undercuts and encroachments. This collapse was located about 2 miles west of the intersection with State Road 37.
July 2010Flash Flood(Srr)Sierra Blanca Reg Airport$25,000Six to 12 inches of water was on several roads northeast of Alto in the Rancho Ruidoso subdivision. Some of the worst hit roadways include County Road D003, Little Creek Road, and Little Creek Hills Road. At least one house and one barn flooded, and several other homes in the area had minor damage.
May 2009LightningEncinoso$25,000Three major fires consumed around 44,000 acres of rangeland from May 20th into the 24th. The three fires were located north of Capitan, around Arabela and near Picacho. The most significant of these was the Fresquez 2 fire north of Capitan. It burned around 10,000 acres north of Highway 246/48 and six ranches suffered fire damage to various degrees. Burned pasture/grassland was the main fire damage as no structures were damaged. However, several cattle were killed in the blaze.
July 2025Flash FloodRuidoso$20,000Heavy rains over the South Fork and Salt burn scars resulted in burn scar flash flooding in the Ruidoso area, including near schools. Flash flooding was reported in multiple areas along roads and highways including White Mountain Dr., Hull Rd., Mechem Dr., Paradise Canyon Dr. just north of Sudderth Dr., Perk Canyon Dr., and along Main Road. The access road to the Ruidoso Downs racetrack was once again overtopped. The Fire Department assisted in a swift water rescue of an occupied vehicle being pushed by flood waters. Damage is an estimate, and there are no reports of injuries or fatalities.
July 2024Flash FloodAlto$20,000Rainfall amounts of around half an inch over the South Fork burn scar resulted in more flash flooding across the Upper Canyon and Brady Canyon neighborhoods west of downtown Ruidoso. Runoff on the burn scar resulted in flash flooding on the Rio Ruidoso resulting in road closures along and near the banks of the river, including White Mountain and Sunny Slope Drive, Brady Canyon Road and Mechem from Cedar Creek, and Gavilan Canyon Road. Property damage is an estimate.
September 2022Flash FloodHollywood$20,000Localized heavy rainfall on Gavilan Ridge flowed downhill onto the McBride burn scar which caused flash flooding along Gavilan Canyon Road from Janet Drive northward to Airplane Canyon. Burn scar flash flooding resulted in rock and mud debris along the roadway. Damages are estimated.
June 2021Flash FloodArabela$20,000Heavy rain near Arabela forced the closure of New Mexico State Road 368 at mile marker 9. The Lincoln County emergency manager reported that water was flooding a substantial bridge at mile marker 9. Damages are estimated.
July 2021Flash FloodCapitan$20,000Video obtained by KOAT TV showed flash flooding in Angus with fast moving water rushing against a home and leaking underneath the doorway. No significant damages are known, and damages are estimated for minor home flood damage.
July 2012Flash FloodAlto$20,000Narrow stream channels quickly rose with water levels reaching a depth of 4 feet. the flood waters moved debris and boulders the size of car tires 10 to 15 feet downstream. Culverts were compromised in the Eagle Creek residential area with numerous roads washed out, especially along Forest Road 127A. Paved roads in the area were less impacted.
August 2000Flash FloodRuidoso Downs$20,000Peat gravel from new road construction clogged culverts and filled a small retention pond during heavy runoff from a storm that yield about 3 inches of rain in 2 hours. Water then overflowed from the streets into a residential area flowing across lawns and underneath trailer homes. Damage was limited to skirting that was ripped from several homes and an empty propane tank floating away.
June 2021FloodPicacho$15,000Heavy rain in the Picacho area in Lincoln County resulted in flooding along low water crossings across U.S. Highway 70. An individual did attempt to drive their truck into a flooded low water crossing. Fortunately, the driver was not hurt, but the truck was submerged and had to be pulled out of the water. Damages are estimated for the loss of the truck.
June 2025Flash FloodRuidoso$10,000Heavy rain on the South Fork burn scar resulted in flash flooding and flowing water across Ebarb Dr. from Perk Canyon along with Brady Canyon Rd. and Ponderosa Dr. The flash flooding continued downstream with a dumpster floating down Rio St. and Grindstone Canyon Rd. and flowing water closing Johnson & Main Rd. Large debris was reported at the 300 block of Cedar Creek. Water was also observed reaching the bridge at Two Rivers. Finally, flooding was observed at the Riverside RV Park near Gavilan Canyon Rd. and Sudderth Dr.
September 2025Flash FloodRuidoso$10,000Rainfall over the South Fork burn scar resulted in flash flooding that washed out a low water crossing along Maple Drive through Brady Canyon.
September 2025Debris FlowRuidoso$10,000Heavy rain from thunderstorms over the South Fork burn scar produced water and debris in Cedar Creek flowing over the bridge at Brady Canyon Road and Ponderosa Drive before moving across Mechem Drive at Brady Canyon Road, shutting down Mechem Drive. Water and debris in Cedar Creek continued downstream moving over the road at Cree Meadows and Country Club Drive and Paradise Canyon Drive at Starlite Road and Hull Road, closing these roads. Video from social media showed floodwaters and debris flows swiftly going around a house along the banks of the Rio Ruidoso at the first bridge on Main Road in the Upper Canyon neighborhood. The Rio Ruidoso was observed flowing over the bridge at Country Club Drive and Eagle Drive resulting in the closure of these two roadways. Finally, the floodwater and debris flow in the Rio Ruidoso overwhelmed culverts under the western part of the Ruidoso Downs racetrack eventually moving across the racetrack itself.
June 2024Flash FloodHollywood$10,000Water and debris completely covered Gavilan Canyon Road at the Gavilan Canyon Softball Field, making the road impassable.
December 2023Thunderstorm WindRuidoso$10,000Winds blew down large tree branches onto a house. Wind speed is an estimate based on the large tree branch broken causing damage.
August 2022Flash FloodHollywood$10,000The Lincoln County emergency manager reported flash flooding on Gavilan Ridge within the McBride burn scar that forced road crews to clean up debris on area roadways. Damages are estimated.

Mines and quarries

404 recorded

The Survey's mineral resources record lists 404 workings inside this county. 5 still produce and 399 are closed or unrecorded. Each settlement page carries the workings within five miles of it.

Commodity Workings
Iron107
Gold48
Fluorine-Fluorite33
Silver33
Sand and Gravel, Construction32
Copper28
Barium-Barite17
Uranium15
Silver, Gold14
Silver, Copper14
Thorium13
Lead, Zinc12
Gold, Silver10
Gypsum-Anhydrite8

The least common of them first, because a county's hundredth gravel pit says nothing its first ten did not.

Where SiteCommodity StatusRecorded
All American Fluorspar MineFluorine-Fluorite, REE, CopperPast Producer1942, 1949, 1951
All American ProspectBarium-Barite, Calcium, Silica, Fluorine-FluoritePast Producer1942
Black Gold MineGold, IronOccurrenceGold, Magnetite, Pyrite
Blue Front MineAluminumUnknown
Blue Star ProspectBarium-Barite, Lead, Iron, Fluorine-Fluorite, CalciumPast Producer
Bonita ClaimsCopper, Gold, Lead, SilverOccurrenceChalcopyrite, Quartz
Bottleneck ProspectBarium-Barite, Fluorine-Fluorite, Iron, Lead, SilicaProspect
Commercial MineCopper, Lead, Silver, Gold, ZincPast Producer1885
Conqueror MineCopper, Lead, Fluorine-Fluorite, REE, Molybdenum, Barium-BaritePast Producer1956, 1966
Conqueror MineCopper, Fluorine-Fluorite, LeadPast Producer
Conqueror No 9Copper, Fluorine-Fluorite, Lead, Silver, REEPast Producer
Copeland Canyon ProspectUranium, Iron, ThoriumOccurrenceMagnetite
Crow MineGold, Copper, Zinc, Silver, LeadPast Producer
Gallinas Rare Earth DepositsREE, Fluorine-Fluorite, Silica, Calcium, Barium-BaritePast Producer1942
Grey Goose MineSilver, LeadUnknown
Homestake SouthTungstenPast Producer
Hope ProspectSilver, Zinc, Lead, CopperProspect
Maud MineLead, Silver, Gold, Zinc, Copper, MolybdenumPast Producer1887, 1964
Maud MineSilver, Lead, GoldUnknown
Mudpuppy-Waterdog ProspectCopper, Gold, Molybdenum, TelluriumOccurrenceMolybdenite, Pyrite
No 1 JerryStoneUnknown
Old Hickory MineFluorine-Fluorite, REE, Copper, LeadPast Producer1899
Old Red FoxLead, Zinc, Silver, MolybdenumPast Producer
Red Cloud Copper and Fluorite MinesSilver, REE, Lead, Gold, Copper, Barium-Barite, Fluorine-FluoritePast Producer1881, 1909
Red Cloud MineFluorine-Fluorite, Barium-Barite, REEPast Producer1925, 1952
Red Cloud MineLead, Silver, Copper, Zinc, Fluorine-Fluorite, REEPast Producer1885, 1980
Renowned MineSilver, Zinc, Copper, LeadPast Producer
Renowned O.K. MineLead, Silver, Zinc, CopperPast Producer1885, 1957
Rialto Molybdenum ProspectMolybdenum, Copper, GoldOccurrence1894
Spring Gold Stain MineGold, ArsenicOccurrenceGold, Pyrite
Suprise GroupCopper, Silver, Zinc, Molybdenum, Gold, LeadOccurrenceChalcopyrite, Galena, Malachite, Molybdenite, Sphalerite, Tennantite, Tetrahedrite
T ClaimSemiprecious Gemstone, Gold, SilverOccurrence
Tonuco MineBarium-Barite, Silica, Fluorine-Fluorite, CalciumPast Producer
White Oaks DistrictGold, TungstenPast ProducerQUARTZ VEINS
AboThorium, UraniumUnknown
All American MineFluorine-Fluorite, REE, Barium-BaritePast Producer1942, 1949, 1951
Arabela Mines Inc ProspectManganeseProspect
Arabela Mines Mn MineManganese, SilverPast Producer1959
Bailey MineSilver, Gold, ZincUnknown
Conqueror No. Four ProspectBarium-Barite, Fluorine-Fluorite, SilicaProspect
Crow MineLead, Silver, Copper, ZincPast Producer1950, 1963
Eagle Nest No 1&2 White Oaks DistThorium, UraniumOccurrence
Eagle Nest ProspectBarium-Barite, Fluorine-Fluorite, SilicaProspect
Helen Rae MineGold, Silver, Lead, Copper, ZincPast Producer1885, 1937
Homestake GroupCopper, Lead, Zinc, Silver, GoldPast Producer1902
Hoosier Girl ProspectsFluorine-Fluorite, REE, Barium-BariteOccurrenceBarite, Fluorite
Jicarilla Gold PlacersGold, Silver, PlatinumPast Producer1850, 1942
Old Hickory MineFluorine-Fluorite, Barium-Barite, Lead, CopperOccurrence1925
Parsons MineGold, Semiprecious GemstonePast Producer
Silver Contact Claims 1980'sSilver, Gold, Lead, Copper, ZincPast Producer1900, 1905, 1939
Silver King TunnelSilver, Lead, CopperUnknown
T-2 ClaimSemiprecious GemstoneUnknown
Tecolote Iron DistrictPlatinumOccurrenceSTREAM PLACER
Turkey GroupGold, Silver, Copper, Lead, ZincPast Producer1902
Ancho ClayFire Clay (Refractory)Prospect
Ancho Fire Clay DepositFire Clay (Refractory)Past Producer1902, 1922
Ancho Gypsum DepositsGypsum-Anhydrite, Fire Clay (Refractory)Past ProducerGypsum
Little Hecla ClaimsSilver, Gold, CopperUnknown
Little Mack MineGold, Silver, TungstenPast Producer1885, 1940
North and South Homestake MinesGold, Silver, TungstenPast Producer1879, 1950
Old Abe MineGold, Silver, TungstenPast Producer1879, 1890, 1951
Silver Plume MineSilver, Gold, CopperUnknown
Alpha MillCopper, Gold, SilverUnknown
Alpha MineCopper, Gold, SilverUnknown
Barry ProspectsThorium, REEOccurrence1952
El Tigre ProspectThorium, REEOccurrenceAllanite
Eureka ProspectFluorine-Fluorite, Barium-Barite, Copper, LeadOccurrenceBarite, Chrysocolla, Fluorite, Galena
Fuzzy Nut 1-18 ClaimsThorium, REEOccurrence
Idaho MineCopper, Gold, SilverPast Producer
Junction MineCopper, Lead, Iron, Barium-BaritePast Producer1934
Pride 2 and E and M 13Thorium, REEOccurrenceBastnaesite
Rialto GroupMolybdenum, Copper, Gold, SilverProspect
American MineGold, Silver, Zinc, LeadPast Producer1868, 1885, 1935
Barlejon No 2Thorium, REEProspect
Bon GroupMolybdenumOccurrence
Bon Group Moly ProspectMolybdenumOccurrenceMolybdenite
Bon Group Molybdenum ProspectMolybdenumOccurrenceMolybdenite
Buckhorn ProspectCopper, Fluorine-FluoriteOccurrenceVein
Buckhorn, Little Wonder AditCopper, Fluorine-FluoritePast Producer1881, 1951
Butcher BoySilver, Copper, LeadUnknown
DeadwoodCopper, Fluorine-FluoriteOccurrence
Eagle Nest ProspectFluorine-Fluorite, Barium-Barite, REEOccurrence1946
Eureka ProspectCopper, Fluorine-FluoriteOccurrence
Hopeful MineSilver, Gold, Zinc, LeadPast Producer
Little WonderCopper, Fluorine-FluoriteUnknown
M and E No 13Fluorine-Fluorite, Copper, REEUnknown
Mccrory ProspectLeadProspect
MichiganLeadUnknown
Mineral Farm ProspectZinc, Lead, CopperUnknown
Park Gold No 3 MineSilver, Copper, LeadUnknown
Parsons MineGold, Silver, MolybdenumPast Producer1886, 1887, 1933
Pride No 2Fluorine-Fluorite, Copper, REEUnknown
Rare Metals ProspectIron, LeadOccurrence1945
Thrifty ClaimSilver, Gold, Zinc, LeadUnknown
Water Dog ProspectZinc, LeadProspect
Koprian SpringsUranium, ThoriumOccurrenceAllanite
Mina Tiro EstrellaUranium, ThoriumOccurrenceAllanite
Monzo GroupUranium, ThoriumOccurrenceAllanite
Pine Lodge DepositsUranium, ThoriumOccurrenceAllanite
San Pedro-Link- Nob HillUranium, ThoriumOccurrenceAllanite
Wee-Three 1-3Uranium, ThoriumOccurrenceAllanite
Bull DykerCopper, Silver, GoldOccurrence
Butts PitStone, Crushed/BrokenUnknown
Cap ClaimCopper, Silver, GoldOccurrence
Mac Rock QuarryStone, Crushed/BrokenPast Producer1992
Materials PitStone, Crushed/BrokenUnknown
Materials PitStone, Crushed/BrokenUnknown
Materials PitStone, Crushed/BrokenUnknown
Minnie LeaCopper, Silver, GoldOccurrence
Rock No 1Copper, SilverProspect
Sailor BoyCopper, Silver, GoldUnknown
Silver Dollar ClaimCopper, Silver, Lead, ZincUnknown
Silver King ClaimSilver, Gold, ZincUnknown
Smoot PitStone, Crushed/BrokenPast Producer
Tom's Gravel PitStone, Crushed/BrokenPast Producer1992
Unnamed MineZincProspect
Unnamed MineZincProspect
Unnamed MineZincProspect
Ancho GypsumGypsum-AnhydritePast Producer
Cowboy Mesa Gypsum DepositGypsum-AnhydriteOccurrenceGypsum
Hasparos Canyon Gypsum DepositGypsum-AnhydriteOccurrenceGypsum
Mescalero Gypsum DepositGypsum-AnhydriteOccurrenceGypsum
Phillips Hills Gypsum DepositGypsum-AnhydriteOccurrenceGypsum
Rio Hondo and Rio Ruidoso Valley Gypsum DepositGypsum-AnhydriteOccurrenceGypsum
Wagon Canyon Gypsum DepositGypsum-AnhydriteOccurrenceGypsum
Bonita No 1 ClaimGold, Silver, CopperUnknown
Clipper ClaimsGold, SilverPast Producer
D and B TunnelGold, SilverUnknown
Eps-1 ClaimGold, SilverUnknown
IllinoisGold, SilverUnknown
Ironsides ClaimGold, Silver, Lead, ZincUnknown
JesterGold, SilverUnknown
Red JimGold, SilverUnknown
Rochford ClaimsGold, SilverPast Producer
AmericanGold, Lead, ZincPast Producer
Helen RaeGold, Lead, ZincPast Producer
Martha WashingtonLead, ZincUnknown
Mayberry MineLead, ZincPast Producer
Old Abe Mine Lead-ZincLead, ZincUnknown
Old ChinamanLead, ZincUnknown
Spur MineLead, Zinc, SilverUnknown
Sugar Stake ClaimSilver, Lead, ZincUnknown
WashingtonLead, Zinc, CopperUnknown
Barry ProspectThoriumProspect
Capitan Uranium Co ClaimsThorium, UraniumProspect
Capitan Uranium Co. ProspectUranium, ThoriumOccurrence
Drunzer ProspectThoriumOccurrence1952
Drunzer ProspectThoriumProspect
King ProspectThoriumOccurrence1952
Mccory ProspectsThoriumOccurrence1952
Mccrory Prospect Sec 31ThoriumOccurrence
Mccrory Prospect Sec 36ThoriumOccurrence
Monzo ClaimsThoriumProspect
Silvertone ClaimUranium, ThoriumOccurrence
Wee Three No 1 & 2ThoriumProspect
Ball Hornet ClaimsSilver, GoldUnknown
Betty and Stella ClaimsSilver, Copper, GoldUnknown
Buster BrownSilver, Copper, GoldUnknown
C and M No 1 & No 2 ClaimsSilver, GoldUnknown
Commercial MineSilver, CopperProspect
Copper Glance ClaimSilver, Copper, GoldUnknown
Copper King No 1 MineSilver, CopperUnknown
DelawareSilver, GoldUnknown
Great Western MineSilver, GoldPast Producer
Grub StakeSilver, CopperUnknown
Hat ClaimSilver, Copper, GoldOccurrence
Homestake MineSilver, Copper, GoldPast Producer
Last Chance Claim #1Silver, GoldUnknown
Magma No 1 and 2 ClaimsSilver, CopperOccurrence
Midnight MineSilver, GoldUnknown
MoscowSilver, CopperUnknown
Silver-Coper ClaimSilver, Copper, GoldOccurrence
SurpriseSilver, CopperUnknown
SylvaniteCopper, Silver, GoldOccurrence
TellurideCopper, Silver, GoldOccurrence
TrustSilver, GoldUnknown
Barlejon #2 ProspectUraniumOccurrence
Bear Canyon GroupUraniumPast Producer
Harkey ProspectUraniumOccurrence
Hopeful ClaimsUranium, Fluorine-FluoriteOccurrenceFluorite
House Mines PrinceIron, UraniumOccurrenceGypsum, Magnetite
Pinie ClaimsUraniumProspect
Richardson ClaimsUraniumOccurrence
Section 2 OccurrenceUraniumOccurrenceVein
Spur AditUraniumOccurrence
Tortolita Canyon VeinUraniumOccurrencePyrite
Valley of Fire Road CutUraniumOccurrence1955
Big Ben Prospect 1966Fluorine-Fluorite, Barium-BariteOccurrenceBarite, Fluorite
BottleneckFluorine-Fluorite, Barium-BariteProspect
Bottleneck ProspectFluorine-Fluorite, Barium-BariteOccurrenceBarite, Fluorite
Box Lode Claims Nos 1-22Barium-BariteOccurrence
Congress ProspectFluorine-Fluorite, Barium-BariteOccurrenceBarite, Fluorite
Conqueror No. 4 and Hilltop ProspectFluorine-Fluorite, Barium-BariteOccurrenceBarite, Fluorite
Devils CanyonBarium-Barite, Fluorine-FluoritePast Producer
Fox Lode ProspectBarium-Barite, CopperOccurrenceBarite
HilltopFluorine-Fluorite, Barium-BariteOccurrence
Idaho MineCopper, Silver, Barium-BaritePast Producer
Summit ProspectFluorine-Fluorite, Barium-BariteOccurrenceBarite, Fluorite
Apex ClaimCopperProspect
Baby ClaimsCopperUnknown
Columbia MineCopperUnknown
Copper Prospect 1CopperOccurrenceMalachite
Copper Prospect 2CopperOccurrenceMalachite
Copper Prospect 3CopperOccurrenceMalachite
Deadwood ProspectCopper, Fluorine-FluoriteOccurrenceVein
Estey City Copper MinesCopper, SilverPast Producer1882, 1918, 1925
Junction MineCopperUnknown
Lucky Strike MineCopperProspect
Monte CarloCopper, SilverProspect
Montezuma ClaimCopperProspect
New Mexico Copper Corp ClaimsCopperProspect
Park Gold TunnelSilver, CopperUnknown
Silver NuggetCopperUnknown
ThanksgivingCopper, SilverUnknown
Union JackCopperUnknown
Angus PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Beavers Pit & CrusherSand and Gravel, ConstructionProducer
Bonito CanyonSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Bonnell Sand and Gravel PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionPast Producer1992
Graham MineSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Hollywood PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Jim Strong PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Knight PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Lietzman PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionProducerGravel
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Materials PitsSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Pit Bp2Sand and Gravel, ConstructionPast ProducerGravel
Salazar Canyon PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Sierra Blanca Mill & Processing CoSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Big Ben ProspectFluorine-FluoriteProspect
Bonito PropertyGold, SilverOccurrence1988
BorniteSilverUnknown
ChristmasSilverProspect
Congress ProspectFluorine-FluoriteProspect
Copper Matte ClaimSilverUnknown
Couger MineSilverUnknown
Eagle NestFluorine-FluoriteProspect
Free Gold TunnelSilverPast Producer
Helen SFluorine-FluoriteOccurrence
Helen S ProspectFluorine-FluoriteOccurrenceVein
Homesteak ClaimSilverUnknown
Hoosier Girl ProspectFluorine-FluoriteProspect
Iron BlossomSilverUnknown
Jennie Lind ClaimSilverUnknown
Julia Ann ProspectFluorine-FluoriteProspect
Last ChanceFluorine-FluoriteOccurrence
Last Chance ProspectFluorine-FluoriteOccurrenceVein
Lone Mountain Prospect 1966Fluorine-FluoriteOccurrenceFluorite
Old Hickory MineFluorine-FluoritePast Producer1900
Richard CarverGold, SilverProspect
Shikeys Shyster ClaimSilverUnknown
Sky HighFluorine-FluoriteProspect
SoldierSilverProspect
Stonewall Jackson MineGold, SilverProspect
Summit ProspectFluorine-FluoriteProspect
Surprise Contact ClaimSilverUnknown
Unnamed ProspectFluorine-FluoriteOccurrence
Vera Cruz MineGold, SilverPast Producer1880, 1919
Vera Cruz MineGold, SilverPast Producer
White SwanSilverProspect
Yours Truly ClaimSilverUnknown
Apex ClaimsGoldOccurrenceChalcopyrite, Gold, Pyrite
CompromiseGoldPast Producer
Divine Guidance No 1GoldUnknown
Henry Clay MineGoldPast Producer
Hubbard ClaimsGoldProspect
Lady Godiva MineGoldPast ProducerGold
Lady Godiva MineGoldPast Producer
Little Mack MineGoldPast Producer
Lucky Strike AreaGoldPast Producer1933
Mart ProspectGoldUnknown
North Homestake MineGoldPast Producer
Old Homestead MineGoldProspect
Rita MineGoldPast ProducerGold
Rita MineGoldPast Producer
Sally MineGoldPast Producer1950
Sally MineGoldProducer
Smuggler MineGoldPast Producer1935
South Homestake MineGoldPast Producer
Spring MineGoldProspect
White Oaks Draw and Baxter Gulch PlacersGoldPast Producer1879, 1941
WillisGoldProspect
AjaxIronProspect
American ContactIronPast Producer
American Iron MineIronPast Producer1942, 1943
AsbestosIronOccurrence
BearcatIronOccurrence
BessemerIronPast Producer
Betty ProspectIronOccurrenceReplacement
Betty ProspectIronOccurrence
Big BearIronOccurrence
Big BenIronProspect
Black Gold MineIronProspect
Black Hat GroupIronUnknown
Black KnightIronProspect
BondIronProspect
Bond ProspectIronOccurrenceReplacement
Broken ToeIronProspect
Bumble BeeIronOccurrence
BuntonIronOccurrence
Capitan Iron DepositsIronOccurrence1902
Capitan MineIronProspect
Carolyn OIronProspect
Carri2020 PlantIronProducer
CindyIronOccurrence
ClaritaIronOccurrence
ConsolidatedIronProspect
Consolidated No3IronPast Producer
Consolidated ProspectIronPast Producer1942
ContactIronPast Producer
CoronaIronPast Producer
CustomIronOccurrence
EldaIronPast Producer
Elda Iron MineIronPast Producer1915, 1919
FairdayIronOccurrence
FerroIronOccurrence
Ferro Lone MountainIronPast Producer
Ferro MineIronPast Producer1952, 1953
Gallinas Iron MineIronPast Producer1942
GoldbergIronOccurrence
Good NightIronProspect
Goodnight and Black KnightIronPast ProducerMagnetite
Half and HalfIronOccurrence
HallIronPast Producer
Hall Macho DepositIronPast Producer1951, 1953
Hoecradle DepositIronPast Producer1942, 1943
Iron AgeIronUnknown
Iron BoxIronProspect
Iron Box ProspectIronOccurrenceMagnetite
Iron ChiefIronPast Producer
Iron CityIronProspect
Iron City ProspectIronOccurrenceMagnetite
Iron ContactIronProspect
Iron CrownIronOccurrence
Iron EdgeIronProspect
Iron HandleIronProspect
Iron Jack No 1 & No 2IronOccurrence
Iron LampIronOccurrence
Iron MaskIronProspect
Iron Monument LodeIronProspect
Iron PanIronOccurrence
Iron RailIronPast Producer
Iron StateIronPast Producer
Jack Iron MinesIronPast Producer1918, 1943
Jack MineIronPast Producer
Jicarilla PitIronUnknown
Joe HillIronOccurrence
LaneIronPast Producer
Lane DepositIronPast Producer1943
Little MarieIronUnknown
Lm&M MillIronProducer
LobnerIronProspect
Lobner MineIronOccurrenceMagnetite
Magnetite Iron LodeIronPast Producer
Magnetite MineIronPast Producer1942, 1943
MajorIronProspect
Major ProspectIronOccurrenceMagnetite
Norma DepositIronPast Producer1942
Norma GrandeIronPast Producer
Norma No 1IronPast Producer
Northern LightIronOccurrence
OsloIronOccurrence
OsoIronOccurrence
Pine LodgeIronProspect
Pittsburg No 1IronUnknown
Rare MetalsIronProspect
Red CliffIronPast Producer
Red Wing No 3IronProspect
ReilIronOccurrence
RiversideIronOccurrence
SacramentoIronOccurrence
Silvertone ClaimIronProspect
Smokey MineIronPast Producer
State MineIronUnknown
SunshineIronOccurrence
SureshotIronOccurrence
Tecolote Peaks Iron ClaimIronProspect
Tide Iron DepositIronOccurrenceHematite, Magnetite
WhettigeIronProspect
Whettige DepositsIronOccurrenceMagnetite
Yellow HandIronOccurrence
Yellow Jacket Iron MineIronPast Producer1913, 1942
Yellow Jacket Nos 2 & 3IronPast Producer
Zuni MinesIronPast Producer1943
Zuni No 1IronPast Producer
Zuni No 4IronPast Producer

Every populated place in the county

52

Named settlements recorded in the Geographic Names Information System, each with the topographic sheets covering it. Villages, hamlets and abandoned places alike. Each is shown with the nearest named watercourse or landform and the survey quadrangle it falls on. The 1 place that was also surveyed for fire insurance comes first, with the number of atlases and photographs held for them.

The vanished settlements of Lincoln County: the places named above that are no longer on the map.

Recorded here

Carrizozo, New Mexico

14 topographic sheets and 2 fire insurance atlases, 1930

Everything this county holds

The complete index, with nothing left out. Each of these is a separate record with its own page: a federal survey report, or the case file that argued a property on to the National Register. Both are public domain and reproduced word for word.

Surveyed structures

14 structures

The vanished settlements of Lincoln County, the places these records name that are no longer on the map.

Provenance

  • Topographic sheets. USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection, county index, measured from the bulk metadata.
  • Fire insurance maps. Library of Congress Sanborn collection, faceted to this county.
  • Photographs. Each place queried individually against the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs search.
  • Wildfire. Short, Karen C. 2022. Spatial wildfire occurrence data for the United States, 1992-2020 [FPA_FOD_20221014]. 6th Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2013-0009.6 Collected with United States Government funding and usable without additional permissions or fees.
  • Mines and quarries. USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) https://mrdata.usgs.gov/mrds/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105.
  • Storms. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105. Narratives are quoted verbatim from the National Weather Service report and are not edited or summarised.