Columbus in Luna County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The First Grease Rack

Photographed by James Hulse, June 14, 2024

1. The First Grease Rack Marker

Inscription. The First Grease rack installed to service United States Army automotive equipment engaged in field operations. The United States Army used motorized transport for the first time in the 1916 punitive expedition staged from this point against Mexican General Francisco (Pancho) Villa and his troops. It dispatched civilian drivers here to teach the soldiers how to operate and service the trucks. On occasion, and far distant from this base of operation, the trucks received fuel transported by pack animals.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.

Location. 31° 49.541′ N, 107° 38.422′ W. Marker is in Columbus, New Mexico, in Luna County. It is at the intersection of State Road 9 and State Road 11 on State Road 9. The marker is located in the northeast section of the Pancho Villa State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 369 NM-9, Columbus NM 88029, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest New Mexico. It is also in the American Southwest.

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Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also the Gadsden Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Last Hostile Action by Foreign Troops (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1st Military Airbase (about 300 feet away); Pancho Villa State Park (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Pancho Villa State Park (about 700 feet away); Pancho Villa’s Raid (about 700 feet away); Camp at Columbus (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pershing's Review Stand (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Memory of Citizens Killed / In Memory of Thirteenth Cavalry (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

The First Grease Rack and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, June 14, 2024

2. The First Grease Rack and Marker

The First Grease Rack image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, June 14, 2024

3. The First Grease Rack

Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 23, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.