Visit to Poncho Villa State Park, Columbus, New Mexico

We are just 30 miles from the border of Mexico, due south of us is Poncho Villa State Park where the State of New Mexico has set aside 60 acres as a commemoration of Villa's raid and as a gesture of goodwill between the US and Mexico.  Before dawn on March 9, 1916, Poncho Villa's troops raided the small town of Columbus, looting, setting fire to many buildings, terrorizing the town.  In answer to the raid, General Pershing and 10,000 troops descended on the town and with orders from President Wilson, to pursue and capture Villa.  Called the Punitive Expedition, Pershing spent 11 months in Mexico searching for him and his band, never capturing him.  By February 1917, orders came in to cease and the US troops returned to Columbus, New Mexico and retreated - just in time for the outbreak of World War 1 where Pershing and his troops were sent over seas.

Still disputed as to why Villa attacked

Villa in middle, Pershing on Right 1914

What is significant in this expedition is new airplanes were used as well as four-wheel drive vehicles for the first time.  And, Pershing was so taken with the mechanized vehicles that he ordered troops to quit using horses and mules, use only as command cars.  An armored truck called the Jeffery Quad was used by this army although it did not see any service during the Mexican campaign but did see service during World War 1.

The Dodge car used

The Jenny - very clumsy

Armored motor truck

Trucks

Training for Pershing and World War 1

The museum was quite impressive and supposedly there were 4 buildings left standing outside within the park, we only saw the headquarters building and also lift area where mechanical repairs were done to the vehicles.  Lots of history here, but for the small town, very depressing.  We did not see a grocery store, only one gas station, saw a post office, one Catina, the school, but wondered what people do for a living?

We leave Deming tomorrow morning and head towards Benson, Arizona.  We want to take the next 2 days to clean out and sterilize the water tanks and holding tanks.  Start sorting through our things and getting them ready to take off the RV once we get back to Picacho.  Sad our trip is over, but glad we are getting back.  It is getting a tidge cold at night but the days are very pleasant - 70.  Will post one more blog when we get back, summarizing this summer's doings.