About "The Lincoln County War"

During the 1870's a group of civilian merchants gained control over the economy of Lincoln County, including a monopoly on filling lucrative contracts from the military at Fort Stanton. This group and their allies was called The House.

In 1877, this control was challenged by an English entrepreneur, John Tunstall. Tunstall's employees and supporters were known as The Regulators, and followers of The House violently resisted them.

The battle was fought not only in courtrooms but also through gunfights, murders, and cattle rustlings. Even the Army became involved. Eventually members of The House killed Tunstall. And The Regulators vowed to take vengeance upon House followers resonsible for killing Tunstall.

Among the group of Regulators was a young man known as Billy the Kid. A favorite hideout for the Regulators was San Patricio.