Tour of Pancho Villa’s Legendary Border Crossing will transport you back to the original site of the infamous raid on the U.S. Village of Columbus, NM March 9th, 1916.
America’s first 9/11 happened at approximately 4:12 a.m. March 9th, 1916 when 600+ “Villaistas” raided Columbus Army’s Camp. 8 soldiers, 10 civilians and 200+ villaistas were killed.
TOUR – Starting at the Valley Heights Cemetery to see the grave sites of the fallen soldiers and civilians from that explosive morning in and around the village and Camp Furlong military base.
See the planes, tanks, and all the historical artifacts and fort ruins at the State Park or Museum.
Take the historical walking tour throughout the small downtown of the village.
Tour the Railroad museum featuring the wall clock stopped in time by a bullet.
By the end of this fun and factual historical event tour you’re going to understand why the name “Pancho Villa” is known worldwide!
My Scholarship Report for the 2024 Outdoor Economics Conference & Expo in Las Cruces
Op-ed by Addison B. Bachman
Outdoor Economic Conference hosted by OutdoorNM.org
EXPOnentially is the perfect term for describing the opportunity for the Village of Columbus (and all of Luna County), to match our most valuable tourism assets with the industries that thrive on outdoor adventure, tourism, and a wide range of social causes that aim to protect, preserve, educate, and create public awareness of the riches that surround us.
Day One: Leaving Columbus at dawn and making my way to the Deming Municipal Airport for the first leg of my scholarship opportunities. Our plane taxied right up to deposit the first flight passengers and load us all up, some quick instructions, and we were off into the yonder. Bruce, our pilot, narrated our entire flight pointing out all the different mountains ranges that would make up the Mimbres Peaks National Monument if the designation is awarded. By all historical data, Luna County stands to gain waves of new support, grants, new jobs, start-ups, and most of all, T-O-U-R-I-S-T-S.
We managed to spot one of the World War II practice bombing targets that are scattered across the region. These are how our Air Force learned the precision bombing that would soon devastate the German strongholds and airfields. SIDEBAR – Did you know the U.S. Air Force was “born” in Columbus, New Mexico? Read more.
The Sleeping Dragon – Florida Mountains Luna County, NM.
Earthbound once again I had to hightail it over to the Les Combes Winery to meet the tour group for a hike up the trails of the Spring Canyon State Park. As we turned on the road leading to the park you could easily see why the mountain view ahead of us is known locally as the “Sleeping Dragon”. Can you see him lying there from the tip of his snout (facing you), up and over the scales of the backbone, all the way down to the long sweeping tail?
Nathan, our trail guide and narrator. He was obviously well seasoned in the art of keeping a hike moving along, saving the intermittent rest stops to point out topography, and the unique flora and fauna present as you gain elevation up the trail. We had some real troopers that were determined to go as far as time allowed.
Les Combes Winery restaurant and general store.
Reconvening with the entire group at the base of the trail, we loaded up the vans and headed back to the winery for a tour of the inner workings of producing millions of gallons of wines. Then, a welcomed lunch served al Fresca. A deliciously cooked-to-order pasta dish to replace all those calories we burned on the Spring Canyon hike. Seriously good food folks!
Now refueled and ready to head to Cruces to check-in to my room at the old Ramada Palms, just two blocks down from the convention center. I had time enough to shower off the morning hike and grab a cat nap before the Meet & Greet session begins at 5pm.
With the exhibit hall set for the big day tomorrow, tonight is a chance to linger and rub elbows with the attendees and the exhibitors all the while enjoying the house special “Prickly Pear” cocktail, and a spread of appetizers and deserts. Sufficiently filled and greeted out, I’m ready to call it a day.
Day Two: The schedule today is a ratta-tat-tat of speakers, panels, breakout sessions, lunch and introductions that end with transport by the Las Cruces Electric Bus “Road Runner Transit” to the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park for walks, dinner, drinks, and sunsets across the expanse of the Rio Grande.
Man on a Mission: Arriving a bit early to get the “lay of the land” in the exhibition hall, I quickly noticed most all the tables in the room were filled with attendees enjoying the catered breakfast, coffee and musings of the event. Amazingly, three tables at the front of the stage were empty. So, not being the shy type, I anchored myself smack dab centerstage. I was determined to take as much advantage of my scholarship as I possibly could. I wanted to hear, meet, and talk to everyone. I wanted New Mexico True and the entire outdoor economic industry to come to the understanding the southern border of New Mexico IS NOT INTERSTATE 10.
In fact, one would be hard pressed to find a more historically important site to New Mexico and American military history than my little Village of Columbus, NM. And, I can prove it with just one question: Have you ever heard the name Pancho Villa?
Of course you have. The whole world knows that name. Why?See Columbus, NM.
LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION! – The morning opens with greetings from the event organizer Jeff Steinborn. Director of the Outdoor New Mexico.
Outdoor New Mexico is a non profit organization whose mission is to promote the protection, appreciation, sustainable management, appropriate recreational use, and economic benefits of outdoor natural areas in New Mexico, and to promote educational and workforce development activities that advance these objectives.
Speaker after speaker presents their specific interests in promoting the great outdoors of New Mexico. Non-profits and For Profits organizations and businesses provide their insights on how to attract their attention to set-up shop in New Mexico’s cities, towns, and villages.
The speaker that really made on mark on me was Seth Bush, Race Director & Owner, Zia Rides. Seth has dedicated himself to creating the best family friendly biking events and festivals in the Southwestern USA. I’m hoping to get his attention about Columbus, NM’s place in the biking and hiking industries.
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Specifically, Columbus, NM is now being accepted as the official starting or terminus to the 3100 mile long Continental Divide Trail. Just the New Mexico portion is nearly 700 miles long as it crosses from the top of the state all the way down to Columbus. NM. Whatyathink Seth?
The key takeaway from Seth’s expertise (and maybe the convention), was how to attract outdoor economic business to your community. MAKE IT SIMPLE FOR THEM.
I suppose I should start here by apologizing to Lancing for my exuberance when my sponsor introduced me to him earlier in the morning. You see, I stand 6’6″ tall, and my wingspan is the about the same. When I speak passionately, my body forgets I might be terrifying in close quarters. Nevertheless, Lancing gave me my two minutes to make an impression. I’m pretty sure I did. HAH!
Lancing’s presentation was absolutely forward looking and positive for the future of tourism in New Mexico. Especially Outdoors. He seemed both excited and frustrated. Excited at the opportunities available through New Mexico True to provide exposure to each tourism venue in NM. Frustrated because so few of these venues reach out for his help. Slide after slide showed us the potential of tapping into the resources provided by the New Mexico Tourism Dept. 11.6 billion reasons why.
Did I mention I “jumped the shark” in regards to these resources? Yep. A few months back I became aware of a partnership program for each NM city to collaborate with New Mexico True in creating a proprietary website for their specific community. The first step is acquiring a domain name that fits this template “Name of City”NMTRUE.com So, I did. And as I told Lancing, I built it for him. Go read my pitch to him here: www.ColumbusNMTrue.com
Jeff Steinborn, Executive Director, Outdoor New Mexico
A Word From Our Sponsor – It would be a great oversight to not express my gratitude to my scholarship sponsor Jeff Steinborn, the Executive Director of Outdoor New Mexico and the New Mexico Outdoor Economics Conference.
I met Jeff briefly down here at a Columbus city council meeting that had the Mimbres Peaks National Monument designation on the docket. Little did I know, I had just entered the fray between the Pro-designation and the Against-designation crowd.
Apparently he took notice of my online campaign to enlighten folks to the efforts of designating our Mimbres Peaks mountain’s as New Mexico’s next National Monument. Again, I jumped the shark and registered www.MimbresPeaks.com It’s what I do.
Thank you Jeff for your sponsorship, and for taking me by-the-hand to be sure you personally introduced me to as many of the players as possible. Not the least of which was Jeff’s life partner. Turns out, the one person who braved sitting right up front with me, was her. A powerhouse of a woman who also deserves my thanks and gratitude for her encouragement and support. Oh, and for giving me Jeff’s brand new special series Conference hat to wear in the sun at the State Park party. Sorry Bro!
An Open Invitation
In closing this report I’d like to extend an invitation to the speakers, exhibitors, and mucky-mucks to come down to the REAL BORDER OF NEW MEXICO to stay with me, and see it for yourselves. As it happens, my dog in the hunt is my little ol’ Bed and Breakfast. The Hole in the Wall Getaway.
I hope to see y’all down here real soon partners! – BigAddison
THE RENTAL IS ADULT ONLY AND INCLUDES TWO BEDROOMS AND OVER 1700 SQ FEET OF LIVING SPACE!
(Standard rates are for 1-2 guests. House sleeps up to 6 guests comfortably with an optional inflatable Queen)
Your quarters includes HIGH SPEED FIBER OPTIC Wi-Fi (100mbps), the Living Room, a full business office suite, Library/Movie room, two well appointed bedrooms (a master and a guestroom), a full bathroom (completely remodeled to include granite counters and a spacious walk-in shower), shared access to the kitchen with your host, and covered parking for your car. (Stays longer than 2 days have access to washer/dryer too).
Your rental includes over 1700 square feet of living space!
Additional services available include (but not limited to):
– Cooked meals
– Kitchen cleaning
– House cleaning
– Laundry service/use (free to extended stays of a week or more)
– Driver
– Escort to Pink Store shopping and dining in Palomas, Mexico (You must have valid ID. Drivers license or passport)
– Room cleaning services
– Hot Tub heating (charcoal heated wooden tub. Will stay warm overnight)
– Sleep Under the Stars outside on inflatable queen size and tall bed
– Fire pit(s) wood and/or propane fuel
– Central Heating fuel (propane) for thermostat set over 65 degrees. Space heaters are provided for no-cost additional heat.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss any of the above (or any other) services in advance at HoleInTheWallGetaway@gmail.com
By the way, The first thing you’ll notice upon stepping from the marble floored foyer into the living room, is how the unique flooring throughout the house provides your first unexpected level of comfort in your Southwest home-away-from-home. Kick your boots off, and accept the soothe traveler.
The house proper, is surrounded by a bloc wall that provides your privacy, and a barrier between your comfort and all the desert thorns, stickers and critters.
Guests at the Hole in the Wall have full access to the surrounding property, inside and outside the wall.
Inside the wall amenities include:
The entire front yard as your own personal space. You can even opt to spend the night under the stars on a queen size inflatable bed out there. And boy do we have stars.
Covered patio with BBQ and adjacent outdoor dining area.
The Zia-Rise Garden where you’ll find 3 stations of relaxation to include our ZiaRise Perch. Watch the sunrise with coffee, yoga or meditation. (we can also set up a bed for overnight sleeping!)
MOST OF ALL – You’ll find the Hole in the Wall that leads you to the Cool pool / Hot tub, sunbathing deck w/chaise lounges, and a shaded spot to sit and enjoy the sounds and views anytime of the day.
Outside the wall amenities include:
The Sunset viewing deck – An outdoor living room complete with firepit as needed in winter.
A walking path around the property (eight times around is a mile!)
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.
The Louisiana-based retailer has purchased the Snappy Mart Stores chain about seven years after Couche-Tard was rumored to be interested in acquiring it.
America’s first 9/11 happened at approximately 4:12 a.m. March 9th, 1916 when 600+ “Villaistas” raided Columbus Army’s Camp. 8 soldiers, 10 civilians and 200+ villaistas were killed.
Nathan, our trail guide and narrator. He was obviously well seasoned in the art of keeping a hike moving along, saving the intermittent rest stops to point out topography, and the unique flora and fauna present as you gain elevation up the trail. We had some real troopers that were determined to go as far as time allowed.
Then, a welcomed lunch served al Fresca. A deliciously cooked-to-order pasta dish to replace all those calories we burned on the Spring Canyon hike. Seriously good food folks!
With the exhibit hall set for the big day tomorrow, tonight is a chance to linger and rub elbows with the attendees and the exhibitors all the while enjoying the house special “Prickly Pear” cocktail, and a spread of appetizers and deserts. Sufficiently filled and greeted out, I’m ready to call it a day.
Day Two: The 
Lancing’s presentation was absolutely forward looking and positive for the future of tourism in New Mexico. Especially Outdoors. He seemed both excited and frustrated. Excited at the opportunities available through New Mexico True to provide exposure to each tourism venue in NM. Frustrated because so few of these venues reach out for his help. Slide after slide showed us the potential of tapping into the resources provided by the New Mexico Tourism Dept. 11.6 billion reasons why.
Thank you Jeff for your sponsorship, and for taking me by-the-hand to be sure you personally introduced me to as many of the players as possible. Not the least of which was Jeff’s life partner. Turns out, the one person who braved sitting right up front with me, was her. A powerhouse of a woman who also deserves my thanks and gratitude for her encouragement and support. Oh, and for giving me Jeff’s brand new special series Conference hat to wear in the sun at the State Park party. Sorry Bro!
Discover Columbus Today!
