Expected Release Date:  2024

Pancho Villa, Invasion, and a Lingering Moment in History on the New Mexico Border

Columbus was established in 1891 on the border across from Palomas, Mexico. In the early years, the town grew as a small border commercial center.

During the Mexican Revolution, Columbus grew as an important business hub for revolutionaries.

In the early morning hours of March 9, 1916, Pancho Villa raided Columbus, killed 18 soldiers and civilians and triggered a military invasion of Mexico.

The Punitive Expedition based its operations at the railhead at Columbus.

For the last eight decades of the 20th century, the town declined as the army and citizens departed.

In recent years, tourism and revitalization has opened a chapter of growth for the community.

“In the early morning hours of March 9, 1916, Pancho Villa and his force of 500 dorados made their way toward Palomas and the border. Ahead lay the town of Columbus where the American families and the nearby soldiers at Camp Furlong lay sleeping, unaware of the approaching danger.”