In New Mexico, the Salinas Pueblo Missions definitely have a connection to the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid. It was spring 1880 when the Kid and his buddy John Meadows were traveling south. After a stop in Punta de Agua, they pressed on, searching for water. Their journey led them to Gran Quivira, where they decided to spend the night. There, they stumbled upon the ruins of a grand mission.
While exploring the site, they discovered what looked like an old irrigation ditch. Meadows speculated that there must have been a water source, but it might have been redirected due to an earthquake or some other event. They also spotted a cedar cross perched atop the church ruins. After climbing up to the cross, Meadows suggested they take it down for a better look. However, Billy the Kid replied, "No, John, it has a history, and we’ll let some scientific expert handle that." The next day, they set off toward Red Lake.
In the fields of history and archaeology, the location of an artifact is just as crucial as the artifact itself. Taking artifacts away can erase valuable information about their context. Billy the Kid is known for many things: outlaw, gunfighter, and New Mexico legend. We might also consider adding Historic Preservationist to that list. You can find this story and many others about Billy the Kid in the book Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as I Knew Them by John P. Meadows, edited by John P. Wilson.
