Columbus in Luna County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Last Hostile Action by Foreign Troops
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010
1. Site of the Last Hostile Action by Foreign Troops in the Continental United States. Marker
Led by General Francisco (Pancho) Villa, insurgent Mexican forces on the night of March 9, 1916 raided camp Furlong a United States army cantonment, and the nearby town of Columbus. Several people were killed, many others were wounded and numerous buildings and tents were burned. The underlying motive of the raid is still a dispute among survivors and historians.
Six days later United States punitive forces under General John J. (Black Jack) Pershing entered Mexico and pursued Pancho Villa and his band without success.
In recognition of the subsequent, long continued, friendly relations of the two countries the New Mexico State Legislature in 1959 designated this site as a State Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1888.
Location. 31° 49.558′ N, 107° 38.469′ W. Marker is in Columbus, New Mexico, in Luna County. It can be reached from South Pancho Villa Loop. Marker is located at Pancho Villa State Park, just south of NM Highway 9. Touch for map. Marker
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Regionally, this marker is in Southwest New Mexico. It is also in the American Southwest. 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: Pancho Villa State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Grease Rack (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Pancho Villa State Park (about 500 feet away); Pancho Villas Raid (about 500 feet away); 1st Military Airbase (about 500 feet away); United States Custom House (about 800 feet away); Pershing's Review Stand (about 800 feet away); Camp at Columbus (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010
2. Site of the Last Hostile Action by Foreign Troops in the Continental United States. Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010
3. Pancho Villa State Park Visitor Center
Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,089 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 13, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
