The Village of Columbus, Where New Mexico  Intersects With History

Hidden in plain sight at the seemingly prophetic intersection of Interstates 9/11, lies a historical little village nestled firmly in the footprints left by the dramatic events that transformed the United States at the Turn Of The 20th Century. A true American story called Columbus, New Mexico. Established in 1891.

Nine out of ten people will recognize the name of our most infamous figure, Pancho Villa, but few will know who he is, or how his name made history. In short, the last time the Continental  U.S. was invaded by a foreign army prior to the Sept 11th, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, was the 1916 Pancho Villa raid on Columbus. (The largest city in New Mexico at the time.) The official military response by the United States Army further marked Columbus a place of transition. It’s where the soldiers in what’s recognized as “The Last Ride Of The United States Calvary” witnessed the first military use of mechanized transportation, and tank divisions. (Led by a young George Patton) Those Calvary men also saw the maiden flight of the newly formed 1st Aero Squadron, featuring the “Jenny” airplane made infamous by its upside-down image misprinted on what is now the world most prized and valuable postage stamp. Read more about the Pancho Villa raid on our COLUMBUS IN U.S. HISTORY page.

Discover Columbus Today!
www.ColumbusNewMexico.com