Battle of Columbus
Columbus, New Mexico, USA
What happened
Pancho Villa's fighters raided the border town of Columbus and fought the US Army's 13th Cavalry. Before dawn, Villa's men attacked the small town and nearby army camp. US soldiers organised a defence with machine guns, and after about 90 minutes the raiders withdrew into Mexico. A cavalry force chased them across the border before turning back.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The raid angered Americans, and President Woodrow Wilson sent troops into Mexico to find Villa. Clashes during the pursuit later brought the United States and Mexico close to war.
What came next
General John J. Pershing's expedition searched Mexico for months without catching Villa and left in early 1917. Pershing went on to lead US forces in France.
Did you know?
A telephone operator named Susie Parks, trapped with her baby, alerted troops to the attack and was later honoured.
Timeline
- 9 March 1916Villa's forces raid Columbus.
- 14 March 1916Pershing's expedition begins.
- 28 January–5 February 1917US troops withdraw from Mexico.
- 1920Villa retires.