The correct answer to this open question is the following.
In the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, a group of rich and influential lawyers in Santa Fe, New Mexico, amassed fortunes through bribery and corruption acts such as frauds in selling land. They were known as the "Santa Fe Ring."
These corruptive actions generated the ire of people in Santa Fe, initiating the Lincoln County War on February 18, 1788, after the assassination of rancher John Tunstall. Santa Fe lived a period of violence and confrontations during those years.