Pancho Villa

(Columbus NM)
This very small town was made famous in 1916 when it was raided by the army of Méxican Revolutionary General Francisco Pancho Villa. It was the last invasion by a foreign military on the American mainland.

Coote’s Hill Lookout at Pancho Villa

Cootes Hill, named after a soldier, was used during the day as a lookout to watch the border. However, on that fateful night, it  helped conceal the approach of the pre-dawn invaders on horseback. A small calvary garrison was taken by surprise and several soldiers and civilians were killed, before the Villistas were eventually driven off.

The raid prompted a military build up and a punitive expedition into México to capture Villa. However, he was never found. The campaign was the last use of the cavalry in action, and the first mechanized force by the USA with trucks, armored carriers and airplanes. It was lead by General Pershing, who incidentally had befriended General Villa earlier. And, a young Lieutenant George Patton was involved too.

Visitor Center, Customs House, RR Depot

Although an entire village block was burned down during the raid, a few buildings from that time still remain. Including what was the Customs Office and the RR Depot, which is now the Historical Museum. Pancho Villa State Park is built on land that was once part of Camp Furlong, and the first Army Airfield.

They have an annual festival that honors those that died in the skirmish, both American and Méxican. Just four miles south gets you across the border to the town of Puerto Palomas which caters to American tourists and those seeking inexpensive prescriptions, dental and eye care, and Méxican crafts.

Cholla in bloom and desert garden

There are lots of desert gardens, which in the Spring, turns the park into a colorful display of blooms. While there is not a lot to do in the town, the park Visitor Center and the Historical Society Museum do a good job of telling their story.

Sunset over the desert