Pancho Villa’s Raid on Columbus, New Mexico - March 9, 1916

On March 9, 1916, the Mexican revolutionary leader Francisco “Pancho” Villa led a surprise attack on the small border town of Columbus, New Mexico. This bold incursion marked a significant moment in the Mexican Revolution and had profound implications for U.S.-Mexico relations.

Context Leading Up to the Raid

Pancho Villa was a prominent figure in the Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910 as a response to the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz. Villa, initially an ally of revolutionary leaders like Francisco Madero and later Venustiano Carranza, became a key military leader in the northern part of Mexico. However, by 1915, Villa’s influence waned after a series of defeats by Carranza’s forces, who had gained U.S. recognition as the legitimate government of Mexico.

Villa felt betrayed by the U.S. support for Carranza and sought to retaliate against American interests. His forces had been dwindling, and he needed to assert his presence and authority. The raid on Columbus was partly motivated by the need for supplies and partly as a political statement against the U.S. government’s policies.

The Raid

In the early hours of March 9, 1916, Villa and approximately 500 of his men crossed the border into the United States and attacked Columbus. The town was home to a small garrison of the 13th Cavalry Regiment. The raid resulted in the deaths of 18 Americans, including soldiers and civilians, and significant damage to the town. Villa’s forces looted supplies and set parts of the town ablaze before retreating back into Mexico.

U.S. Response

The raid on Columbus was the first attack on American soil since the War of 1812 and provoked a strong response from the United States. President Woodrow Wilson authorized a punitive expedition to capture Villa, led by General John J. Pershing. This military operation, known as the “Punitive Expedition,” involved over 10,000 U.S. troops entering Mexico in pursuit of Villa.

Consequences and Aftermath

• Military Campaign: Despite the extensive search, Villa eluded capture. The expedition lasted until February 1917 and strained U.S.-Mexico relations, as it was seen as a violation of Mexican sovereignty.
• Diplomatic Tensions: The incursion heightened tensions between the two countries, leading to several skirmishes between U.S. forces and Mexican troops loyal to Carranza.
• Impact on Villa: Although Villa remained at large, the raid and subsequent U.S. military action diminished his standing and resources further.
• U.S. Military Experience: The expedition provided valuable experience for the U.S. military, particularly for General Pershing, who would later lead American forces in World War I.

The raid on Columbus and the ensuing military expedition underscored the volatile nature of U.S.-Mexico relations during the Mexican Revolution and highlighted the complexities of international diplomacy and military intervention.