White Oaks
Billy the Kid's hangout - refused railroad for saloons
State: New Mexico
County: Lincoln County
Founded: 1879
Abandoned: 1954
Peak Population: 4,000
White Oaks was one of New Mexico's richest gold towns—until residents reportedly refused the railroad's demand to close their saloons. The railroad built to Carrizozo instead; White Oaks died. Billy the Kid frequented the town; the schoolhouse and some buildings survive.
Quick Facts
- Allegedly refused railroad to keep saloons
- Billy the Kid frequented the town
- $30 million in gold extracted
- Schoolhouse and buildings survive
Location
Address: Lincoln County, New Mexico
Coordinates: 33.7542, -105.8586