Author: Corey Recko

Works Published by UNT Press

The Colfax County War: Violence and Corruption in Territorial New Mexico

— Vol. 22: of A. C. Greene Series

Published: June, 2024  Pages: 256  Features: 54 b&w illus. 2 maps. Notes. Bib. Index.

When New Mexico became part of the United States, the territory contained 295 land grants, the largest of these being the Maxwell Land Grant. The size and boundaries of the grant were disputed, with some believing that much of the land was public domain. Settlers on this land were fought not only by the land grant owners but also by a group of corrupt politicians and lawyers— known as the Santa Fe Ring (most notably Thomas Catron and Stephen Elkins)—who tried to use the situation for personal profit and land acquisition. more... about The Colfax County War: Violence and Corruption in Territorial New Mexico

Murder on the White Sands: The Disappearance of Albert and Henry Fountain

— Vol. 5: of A. C. Greene Series

Published: May, 2007  Pages: 272  Features: 32 b&w illus. 1 map. Notes. Bib. Index.

On a cold February evening in 1896, prominent attorney Col. Albert Jennings Fountain and his eight-year-old son Henry disappeared near the White Sands of New Mexico. The governor called in both the Pinkerton Agency and Pat Garrett, killer of Billy the Kid, to investigate. The evidence pointed at three men, former deputies William McNew, James Gililland, and Oliver Lee. These three men, however, were very close to powerful ex-judge, lawyer, and politician Albert B. Fall, said by some to be the mastermind behind the plot to kill Fountain. more... about Murder on the White Sands: The Disappearance of Albert and Henry Fountain

  • Best Book of the Year, Wild West Historical Association, 2008