Ruidoso for History Buffs

DISCOVER THE TOP HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SIGHTS IN AND AROUND RUIDOSO

 

Ruidoso offers history buffs a region rich in Native American cultures, famous forts, museums, and time-honored traditions along with legendary characters and cowboy folklore. 

 
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Wingfield Heritage House Museum: A Journey Through Ruidoso’s History
Wingfield Heritage House Museum: A Journey Through Ruidoso’s History

Discover Ruidoso’s rich history at the newly opened Wingfield Heritage House Museum at 2813 Sudderth Drive. Opened on October 17, 2024, this beautifully restored 1920s gem, originally built by Ike and Lula Wingfield, offers engaging exhibits on the family’s legacy, ancient cultures, and the town's evolution. Visitors are invited to explore, connect, and contribute to preserving Ruidoso’s vibrant heritage.

Lincoln State Historic Site
Lincoln State Historic Site

Lincoln, the most widely visited historic site in New Mexico, is part of a community frozen in time—the 1870s and 1880s. The historic site includes 17 structures and outbuildings, four of which are open year-round and two more seasonally as museums.

Lincoln County History and Heritage: An immersive 3-Day Ruidoso trip itinerary
Lincoln County History and Heritage: An immersive 3-Day Ruidoso trip itinerary

Discover Lincoln County, New Mexico – a region steeped in rich history and vibrant heritage. Embark on a captivating three-day trip itinerary based in Ruidoso, where the spirit of the American West comes alive.

Fort Stanton State Historic Site
Fort Stanton State Historic Site

The Fort Stanton State Historic Site is a must-see historic attraction when visiting Lincoln County.  Few sites in the nation encompass the breadth of history seen at the Fort.

Mescalero Apache Tribe
Mescalero Apache Tribe

Established in 1873 by presidential order, the Mescalero Apache reservation covers 720 square miles of land adjacent to the Village of Ruidoso. The Mescalero Apache Tribe owns and operates both Ski Apache Ski Resort and the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino as well as other Reservation-based enterprises. 

Billy The Kid National Scenic Byway
Billy The Kid National Scenic Byway

Visit historic Lincoln, once home to outlaw Billy the Kid and lawman Pat Garrett. on this scenic drive through the rugged beauty of the million-acre Lincoln National Forest.

White Oaks Ghost Town
White Oaks Ghost Town

White Oaks is a Lincoln County ghost town just north of Carrizozo that became a boomtown in 1879 following the discovery of gold and coal in the nearby Jicarilla Mountains. Today, there's a small historic museum, a legendary saloon, and the White Oaks Pottery art studio. 

No Scum Allowed Saloon
No Scum Allowed Saloon

Located in White Oaks, once a booming gold mining town, the No Scum Allowed Saloon is one of the best cowboy bars in America. The saloon atmosphere is good old-fashioned country: open and friendly, with good music and cold beer at the ready.

New Mexico Museum of Space History
New Mexico Museum of Space History

The New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo, New Mexico celebrates the significant role the state of New Mexico has played in the development of the U.S. Space Program.

Smokey Bear Historical Park
Smokey Bear Historical Park

In 1950, Smokey was an orphaned little bear cub with burned paws, found in the aftermath of the Capitan Gap wildfire. Smokey Bear rose to fame as an icon for forest fire prevention and he lived in Washington, D.C.'s National Zoo for 26 years.  When he passed away, the famous black bear was laid to rest in his hometown of Capitan, NM.  

IN THE PRESS: White Oaks - The Liveliest Town in the Territory
IN THE PRESS: White Oaks - The Liveliest Town in the Territory

"Before White Oaks became known as the liveliest town in New Mexico Territory the area was first roamed by the Piros Indians before they were forced out by the fierce Apache. Though the region is arid and dotted with lava rock, the Indians found it abundant with game and made it one of their hunting grounds." - Legends of America

DISCOVER UPCOMING HISTORY EVENTS IN AND AROUND RUIDOSO

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25th Reunion of the Last Great Cattle Drive of Millennium at Cattle Baron
Dec 7
25th Reunion of the Last Great Cattle Drive of Millennium at Cattle Baron

The 25th reunion of the Last Great Cattle Drive of the Millennium invites past participants, fans, and supporters to gather at Cattle Baron in Ruidoso. This special evening offers an opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and honor the legacy of the 1999 drive, which celebrated New Mexico’s ranching heritage. Attendees will meet in the bar and cover their own food and drink orders.