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Lincoln County War
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Lincoln County War

United States history
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Quick Summary

The Lincoln County War was a violent conflict in 1878 in Lincoln, New Mexico, fought between rival merchants for economic control. The dispute escalated from accusations of cattle rustling to murder and a significant gun battle at the courthouse. The outlaw Billy the Kid was a prominent figure in the violence, responsible for killing a sheriff and escaping from jail. The discovery of gold in 1879 led to further development in the county's mineral resources. The economy of Lincoln County today relies on tourism, recreation, and livestock raising.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. Lincoln
  2. Billy the Kid
  3. American Civil War - Trans- Mississippi theatre and Missouri

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