"LINCOLN COUNTY DAY"

HM 50
Page 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
A MEMORIAL
DECLARING FEBRUARY 4, 2026 "LINCOLN COUNTY DAY" IN THE HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WHEREAS, Lincoln county is nationally recognized for its
iconic history, outdoor recreation and strong rural
communities; and
WHEREAS, Lincoln county's story reflects the complexity
of the American west, shaped by generations of neighbors,
including the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and by the historic
movements of peoples and cultures across the region; and
WHEREAS, the post-Civil War era brought rapid growth to
the region, and by the mid-1870s, competing business and
political interests intensified conflicts over land, water
and power, culminating in the events historically known as
the Lincoln county war; and
WHEREAS, the Lincoln county war remains one of the most
widely known chapters of New Mexico history, drawing visitors
from around the world and contributing to the county's
heritage tourism and educational programming; and
WHEREAS, in the spring of 1950, during the Capitan Gap
fire, a bear cub was rescued by firefighters and became known
as "Smokey Bear", a lasting symbol of wildfire prevention and
a point of pride for Lincoln county; and
WHEREAS, Smokey Bear's legacy continues at Smokey Bear
HM 50
Page 2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
historical park in the village of Capitan, providing
education, tourism and community identity for residents and
visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, the mountains, forests and waterways of Lincoln
county continue to sustain communities, support ranching and
agriculture and drive a year-round outdoor economy that
includes hiking, camping, skiing, fishing and hunting; and
WHEREAS, Lincoln county is home to Ruidoso Downs race
track, an important part of the county's economy and culture
and a hub for quarter horse racing, including the all
American futurity, which attracts visitors, supports local
businesses and creates jobs; and
WHEREAS, as the community continues recovery efforts,
there is strong optimism for the racetrack's reopening and a
return to racing that will restore a key gathering place for
families, visitors and the local workforce and renew an
important driver of economic activity across the region; and
WHEREAS, Lincoln county's economy is strengthened by
tourism, outdoor recreation, agriculture and small businesses
that provide essential services and opportunities for
families across the county; and
WHEREAS, in recent years, Lincoln county communities
have faced significant challenges, including natural
disasters that affected homes, businesses and public
infrastructure, and residents, first responders, volunteers
HM 50
Page 3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
and partner organizations have worked together with
determination to recover and rebuild; and
WHEREAS, Lincoln county continues to invest in community
resilience, public safety and quality of life while
preserving its history and expanding opportunities for future
generations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Lincoln
county be recognized as a central part of New Mexico's
heritage and a vital contributor to the state's economy and
identity, celebrated for its history, its outdoor landscapes,
its quarter horse racing tradition, its agricultural roots
and the resilience of its communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that February 4, 2026 be declared
"Lincoln County Day" in the house of representatives; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be
transmitted to the Lincoln county board of county
commissioners.