Step inside the very courthouse where one of the American West’s most legendary escapes unfolded during this special Lincoln Lecture Series presentation at Lincoln Historic Site.

Historian, artist, and writer Lori Goodloe explores the remarkable story of Billy the Kid’s final escape from the Lincoln County Courthouse in April 1881. Beginning with the transformation of Henry McCarty into the infamous outlaw, the lecture traces Billy’s role in the Lincoln County War, his capture, trial, and death sentence before focusing on the dramatic jailbreak that cemented his place in Western history.

Held inside the historic courthouse where the escape occurred, this immersive presentation examines the layout of the building, Billy’s movements, competing theories about how he escaped, and which version of events is considered the most plausible. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to stand where history happened while following the footsteps of one of the West’s most enduring legends.

Lori Goodloe has researched Billy the Kid for more than 25 years, bringing decades of scholarship and storytelling to this engaging presentation.

The lecture takes place in the Billiard Hall of the Historic Courthouse and is included with regular site admission:

* Adults: $7

* Free admission: Children 16 and younger, New Mexico disabled veterans, New Mexico foster families, Friends of Lincoln, and MNMF members.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of the Old West, or visiting during Old Lincoln Days, this lecture offers a fascinating look at one of New Mexico’s most famous historical events—in the very place it happened.