History of the Old Wortley Hotel
Billy the Kid would have stayed at the Old Wortley Hotel,
but he was in the jail across the street.
For nearly 150 years the venerable Wortley Hotel has witnessed the comings and goings on what was once deemed in 1878 “the most dangerous street in America” by then U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes.
For 10 years, from 1871 to 1881, at least 50 people were killed on the one-mile stretch of Lincoln, New Mexico’s main street. An estimated 200 more lost their lives during the infamous Lincoln County War.
At the heart of the violence was the legendary outlaw Billy the Kid, formerly Henry McCarty and later William H. Bonney. A clever, some say charismatic, young man, Billy made his final escape from the jail located right across the street from the Wortley on April 28, 1881. His personal nemesis, Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Ollinger, was eating (what would be his last meal) at the Wortley Hotel. Ollinger heard gunshots and dashed outside, where Billy used Ollinger’s own gun to kill the lawman.
Sheriff Pat Garrett was out of town that day, but eventually tracked down Billy and shot him on July 14, 1881, in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. The outlaw was just 21 years old.
Pictured right: one of the few verified photographs of outlaw Billy the Kid c. 1880
The year 1872 saw the first post hole dug to build the Wortley Hotel. One of its early cooks was Samuel Wortley, who eventually owned the business – hence the name. None other than Sheriff Garrett bought the hotel on March 28, 1881, for $275. His portrait and a copy of the original purchase agreement now hang in the main lounge and dining area.
The Wortley has had many owners over the years and at times was called the Lincoln Hotel. At the height of the Depression in 1936 a fire heavily damaged the building. Its renovation was completed by a dedicated group of history buffs and reopened with the same territorial style façade in 1960.
The Wortley Hotel Exterior, 1907
The danger today is long-gone, of course, as the Wortley Hotel Bed and Breakfast offers guests a chance to experience the Wild West in the peaceful, picturesque setting that is the Lincoln Historic District and State Monument. Rooms hearken back to the 1890s, featuring period décor – albeit with private en suite baths and comfy queen-sized beds. Hot breakfasts are served each morning to treasured guests.
The village includes museums, walking tours, hiking trails, local art galleries, refreshments, and shops. Annual events – such as Old Lincoln Days (featuring reenactments of Billy’s great escape and more) held the first weekend in August, as well as the Dia de los Muertos festival in late October – attract thousands of visitors each year. In addition, the surrounding region offers numerous places and activities for visitors to enjoy in all four seasons.
A plaque commemorating the death of Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Ollinger at the hands of Billy the Kid.
Come and live the Old West with us!
