Explore one of the most fascinating rivalries of the Old West during this special Lincoln Lecture Series presentation at Lincoln Historic Site during Old Lincoln Days.

Author and historian John LeMay examines the complex relationship between legendary cattle baron John Chisum and Billy the Kid, separating historical fact from frontier legend. The presentation explores Chisum’s vast cattle empire, stretching from Seven Rivers to Fort Sumner, and highlights his headquarters at Bosque Grande and South Springs River Ranch through historic photographs.

LeMay also investigates whether Billy the Kid ever worked for Chisum, how their rivalry developed after the Lincoln County War, and the role sensationalized newspaper reporting played in shaping Billy’s reputation. The lecture delves into the infamous 1881 story claiming Billy murdered three Chisum cowboys—a tale modern research has shown to be false—and considers the theory that the fabricated account may have been intended to influence public opinion against the outlaw.

John LeMay is the author of more than sixty nonfiction books on the history of the American Southwest, including Tall Tales and Half Truths of Billy the Kid and The Man Who Invented Billy the Kid: The Authentic Life of Ash Upson. He is a past president of the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico and currently serves on the board of the Historical Society of New Mexico.

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.

Discover how history, myth, and media combined to shape the enduring legacy of Billy the Kid in the very community where many of these events unfolded.