Historical Marker
Pancho Villa's Raid
Columbus, Luna County · New Mexico
Why Villa came is still argued. Washington had recognized his rival Carranza in October 1915 and let Carranza's troops ride an American railroad to Agua Prieta, where Villa was beaten that November. Others point to a Columbus merchant said to have cheated him, or simply to the guns and horses in the camp. His spies reported 30 to 50 soldiers; about 350 were there. The raiders, some 485, struck about 4:20 a.m., and Lieutenant John Lucas's machine guns fired over 5,000 rounds apiece by the light of burning buildings. Five captured Villistas were later hanged.
What the plaque says
Official Scenic Historical Marker Pancho Villa's Raid On March 9, 1916, Francisco "Pancho" Villa, a major figure in the Mexican Revolution, crossed the international border with a large force, attacking and looting Columbus, New Mexico. Eighteen U.S. soldiers and civilians, and approximately 100 Villistas were killed. Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing led an expeditionary force into Mexico in pursuit of Villa.
Where it stands
31.82609, -107.64265 · Directions
Worth the stop nearby
- Pancho Villa State Park — 0.2 miThe site of Camp Furlong at Columbus, named for the revolutionary whose raiders attacked the town in 1916, as a gesture of friendship toward Mexico.
More markers nearby
- Pancho Villa State Park — steps away
- Pancho Villa State Park — steps away
- Susan Parks — 0.2 mi
- First Aero Squadron Airfield — 0.3 mi