Another great frontier historian has gone up the trail. Frederick Nolan was a key historian of the Lincoln County War. His book The West of Billy the Kid is an essential text, and his The Lincoln County War: A Documentary History revealed that bloody episode as the battle for commercial domination that it was.
Lynda Sanchez sent word:
I just learned a couple of hours ago that English author, Fred Nolan, had passed away. He was 93 No other details. You may already know. But at last he is at peace. Another grand fellow, author, friend and historian gone over the Rainbow Bridge. I have known Fred for almost forty years. He was funny, helpful, and amazing in the knowledge that he developed, shared and wrote about regarding the LCWar, Billy the Kid and the mosaic of characters we have come to love and hate in that drama of control, evil, and some good too known as New Mexico, Lincoln County and Historic Lincoln itself. The image below of Fred is my favorite. He loved our region and every year would visit our country along with his lovely wife, Heidi. Our daughter, Katherine, and I visited with Heidi and Fred in England in 1989. Wow, did we have a grand time as he showed us his home, and his native land.
He shall be missed but we are all thankful he came our way. Fred loved the rugged landscape and also the two most visited NM Historic Sites in NM (Lincoln and Fort Stanton) He understood their importance and he was thrilled when Fort Stanton finally was established as a State Monument. His numerous articles and books will be part of his legacy.Fred participated in the McSween Site Dig in Lincoln during the 1980’s loving every minute of that time. He also played the piano with a vengeance and with a special style and grace depending on the music. He was a giant and now, he is gone. Vaya con Dios amigo.
Nolan was 93, and like the recently-departed Robert Utley, he lived a long, full life and left giant footprints on the trail of frontier history.
Matthew says
I had not heard of him, which seems a shame. I find out so much at this site.
It’s interesting that he is English and history of the American west. You’d think he’d be interested in English history or the history of the British Empire.
Keith West says
Crap! I hate to hear this. I was talking with some compadres last week at Robert E. Howard Days about the need to plan an excursion to Lincoln.
JimC says
As you know, the Lincoln County War was an influence on Red Nails.
Joe says
The maps, images, and historic info in ‘The West of Billy the Kid’ is fantastic. I will definitely make sure to check out his work on the Lincoln County War.
Lynda A Sanchez says
Jim and all, thank you for posting this. One correction…he was 91. That is my error. However, as with so many historians most of the general public had no clue as to his diverse background. And even those who knew Fred Nolan or who have read his many books about the Lincoln County War, Billy the Kid and the outlaws of that era, few knew for example that he also loved American folk music and that he wrote a biography of Rogers and Hammerstein, two of our greatest composers. He could play the piano and sing those songs as well. He was an amazing fellow, funny, and always ready to help those who had a serious interest in our history. I met him in Lincoln at the McSween site dig in 1987 where I saw him with trowel in hand saying “Isn’t this Bloody Exciting!” It is amazing how others find our history more interesting than we do. Of course, he was probably drawn to western history as so many Europeans are. And another example of others who love our history, we have our Australian historian, James Mills, who just finished a new book about Billy the Kid. It is a new slant from the Hispano point of view (Billy the Kid, El Bandido Simpático)
Yes, he was English, and yet his area of expertise encompassed writing over 50 novels about the west, as well as some spy novels and World War II thrillers. But he always came back to New Mexico and often stayed with friends out at the old Chisum ranch. I have a longer tribute that I decided to write after the one Jim so kindly printed here. Let me know if you would like to see that one with illustrations too.
Now, Fred rides with Billy! Lynda A. Sánchez
JimC says
I would be happy to run the longer tribute Lynda. Thank you.
Lynda A Sanchez says
Jim, sent the longer version your way. Edit as needed and mil gracias!
Lynda