A Jail! My Kingdom For A Jail! The Lincoln County (NM) sheriff lobbied for some strong bars.

Perhaps Lincoln County (NM) Sheriff William Brady’s biggest headache in office was getting a jail.  When he took office in 1869, prisoners were held at Fort Stanton, about 10 miles away.  In 1877, a cramped underground holding area was constructed.  But conditions were terrible and escapes frequent. Brady demanded a new facility.  It was finished in 1880—a little late for Brady.  He and a deputy were gunned down by Billy the Kid and pals in April 1878.