History of the Lincoln County War

by Maurice Garland Fulton

In the annals of western history, the Lincoln County War stands out as a complex and tragic event in which lives were lost, fortunes destroyed, and peaceful citizens transformed into lonely, exiled outlaws. A classic reference work on the era of Billy the Kid, this fast-moving account brings new meaning to the war and to those individuals who became its victims.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History

433 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

1877-1955

Reviews

[Bill Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years ago we visited Ruidoso for a summer vacation. In addition to climbing Sierra Blanca--the peak at Ski Apache, we enjoyed the rich history of the area, which is in Lincoln County. While we were doing that, we found this book, which is the definitive account of the Lincoln County Wars, and Billy the Kid's role in them. Since then I've read it to my son William. We've both enjoyed it. If you like history, especially of the American West, this has all the ingredients: cowboys, gunfights, ambushes, corruption; well, I guess it doesn't have any Indians to speak of except on a reservation. But it is a well written, enjoyable read I highly recommend it.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

As near as I can tell, this is the definitive history of the Lincoln County (NM) War, which took place between 1878 and 1891. Rival factions of businessmen attempted to gain financial and political control of this region, located south of present-day Albuquerque, west of Roswell, and north of Alamogordo. The feuding groups were led on one side by John Tunstall, Alexander McSween, and John Chisum. They were opposed by LG Murphy, James J. Dolan, and Sheriff William Brady.
Factoring into this "war" in other ways were notables: Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, and General Lew Wallace.
The book, while a little slow to get started, reads like a novel as one works his or her way through it. There are myriad names to remember and keep straight, but this is ultimately doable because of the way that author Maurice Fulton presents them in the book.
I wanted to read about this period of American history because it is portrayed in the John Wayne movie, "Chisum". With that said, let me just say that the movie takes great liberties with the actual history of the period.
If you're a history buff who especially likes this period of American history, then I believe you will enjoy this well-researched, extensively detailed presentation of the Lincoln County War.

[Jwt Jan50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a remarkable piece of western history brought to the reader by the devoted researcher and author Fulton as well as by his friend/editor Mullin who over 13 years (1955-1968) after Fulton's death, with the University of Arizona press, published this wonderful account. The introduction alone is a tale of a man 'on a mission' to bring this cast of characters to life in a way that no novel or movie could ever do as well. The criticism of the 18th century language from the newspapers, letters and trial proceedings is noted - but the authenticity makes it worth the sometimes slow going for the reader. And yes there is some redundancy as both sides of the 'feud' are presented. I grew up on Will Henry and Zane Grey, and glad I did. But this is the real thing. Read this in parallel with 'When Law Was in the Holster" (Bob Paul - frontier sheriff and 'friend' of Wyatt) and "Wyoming Range War" (basis for the movie 'Heaven's Gate' about the Johnson County War).

[Timothy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Valuable History

Since I live in Don Ana county and have good friends with ranches in the area around Roswell, the setting of this history is all around me. This is probably the best book I have encountered so far on the subject of the Lincoln County war and given me a deeper understanding of the history of the southwest.

[John Fulcoly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a tedious read, but over time I prevailed. Historically accurate but slow grind of wordy letters and easier articles. Good guys were bad guys, bad guys were good guys, it was a mixed up age.

[Benjamin Thomas Sutpen]

http://sensemania.blogspot.com/2006/0...

[Ernest Hogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A detailed, documented account of the anarchy that spawned New Mexico, Billy the Kid, and the United States of America.