HOUSE MEMORIAL 50

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2026

INTRODUCED BY

Harlan Vincent

 

 

 

 

 

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 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 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.

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