Alexander McSween – Igniting the Lincoln County War
Alexander McSween, a name etched in the tumultuous history of the American West, stands as a central figure in the infamous Lincoln County War. A lawyer by trade, McSween found himself embroiled in a deadly conflict that would forever stain the landscape of Lincoln County, New Mexico. His ambition, coupled with his association with John Tunstall, set the stage for a clash of economic interests and personal vendettas that ultimately culminated in violence and tragedy.
The story of Alexander McSween begins far from the dusty plains of New Mexico. Born in Canada, McSween’s early life was steeped in religious devotion. He spent his formative years as a preacher, a vocation that instilled in him a strong sense of morality and justice. However, the allure of the legal profession eventually drew him away from the pulpit. He pursued legal studies for a year in St. Louis, Missouri, before venturing westward, first to Kansas and then to the burgeoning territory of New Mexico.
In 1873, McSween married Susan Hummer, solidifying his commitment to building a life in the West. Upon arriving in Lincoln County, he initially found employment with the established mercantile and banking firm of Murphy & Dolan, utilizing his legal expertise to serve their interests. However, McSween’s entrepreneurial spirit and desire for independence soon led him to seek a different path.
This new path converged with John Tunstall, an English merchant with aspirations of challenging the dominance of Murphy & Dolan. Tunstall, recognizing McSween’s legal acumen and local knowledge, offered him a partnership. Together, they established a rival store in Lincoln, directly competing with Murphy & Dolan for the lucrative business of the county’s ranchers, farmers, and settlers. This act of defiance, challenging the established power structure, marked the true ignition point of the Lincoln County War.
The rivalry between the Tunstall-McSween faction and Murphy & Dolan quickly escalated. Murphy and Dolan, accustomed to unchallenged authority, viewed Tunstall and Alexander McSween‘s venture as a direct threat to their economic and political control. They initially attempted to undermine their competitors through legal maneuvering and bureaucratic harassment. However, when these tactics proved ineffective, Dolan resorted to more aggressive measures, attempting to provoke Tunstall into a gunfight.
Tunstall, a man of peace, refused to be drawn into violence. However, recognizing the imminent danger, he sought protection for himself and his investments. He recruited a group of young men, including the notorious William H. Bonney, better known as Billy the Kid, and a handful of other seasoned cowboys. These men, loyal to Tunstall and McSween, formed a protective detail, ready to defend their employers against any threat. This recruitment further inflamed the tensions in Lincoln County, transforming the business rivalry into an armed conflict.
The simmering conflict reached a boiling point in February 1878 when John Tunstall was ambushed and killed by a posse associated with Murphy & Dolan. Tunstall’s murder sent shockwaves through Lincoln County, igniting the Lincoln County War in earnest. The event served as a catalyst for escalating violence, transforming the landscape into a battleground between rival factions vying for control of the county.
Following Tunstall’s death, Alexander McSween became a central figure in the conflict. Grief-stricken and determined to avenge his friend’s murder, McSween rallied his supporters, including Billy the Kid, and sought justice through both legal and extralegal means. He filed lawsuits against those he believed responsible for Tunstall’s death while simultaneously participating in retaliatory actions against the Murphy & Dolan faction.
The Lincoln County War raged for months, characterized by ambushes, gunfights, and acts of arson. Lincoln became a town under siege, with residents caught in the crossfire between the warring factions. The conflict drew in law enforcement officials, government authorities, and even hired guns from outside the county, further complicating the already volatile situation.
The climax of the Lincoln County War, and the tragic end for Alexander McSween, occurred on July 19, 1878. McSween and his remaining supporters, including Billy the Kid, found themselves besieged in McSween’s house in Lincoln. A large force of Murphy & Dolan men, along with soldiers and law enforcement officers, surrounded the residence, determined to eliminate their rivals once and for all.
As the siege intensified, the attackers set McSween’s house ablaze. Trapped inside, McSween and his companions faced a desperate choice: remain and perish in the flames or attempt to escape the inferno, risking being shot down by the besiegers. One by one, they emerged from the burning building, desperately seeking cover and attempting to flee the onslaught of gunfire.
In the chaos and confusion, Alexander McSween emerged from his burning home, unarmed, surrendering. He was immediately cut down in a hail of bullets. His death marked a turning point in the Lincoln County War, effectively ending the organized resistance against Murphy & Dolan. While the violence would continue sporadically for some time, the death of McSween signaled the beginning of the end of the conflict.
The legacy of Alexander McSween is complex and multifaceted. He is remembered by some as a courageous advocate for justice and a victim of ruthless oppression. Others view him as an ambitious opportunist who contributed to the violence and lawlessness of the Lincoln County War. Regardless of one’s perspective, McSween’s role in the Lincoln County War is undeniable. He was a key player in the events that shaped the history of Lincoln County and the American West. His life and death serve as a reminder of the turbulent times and the enduring struggle for power, justice, and survival on the frontier. The tale of Alexander McSween continues to resonate, reminding us of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the history of the American West.