HM 50

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