March 9, 1916 changed American history forever when Pancho Villa’s forces crossed the border and attacked Columbus, New Mexico. This bold raid marked the first foreign invasion of the continental United States since the War of 1812. Today, visitors can explore this fascinating chapter of history at Pancho Villa State Park, where preserved buildings, artifacts, and exhibits bring the dramatic events of 1916 to life.
1. Explore the Exhibit Hall
Walking through the exhibit hall feels like opening a time capsule from 1916. Military uniforms hang alongside personal letters from soldiers, while photographs capture the faces of people who lived through this historic moment.
Original weapons, saddles, and camping gear tell the story from both American and Mexican perspectives. You’ll see actual bullets recovered from the battlefield and maps showing Villa’s escape route.
Interactive displays help younger visitors understand why this raid shocked the nation and changed border security forever.
2. See Historic Adobe Buildings
Adobe walls still stand where soldiers once slept and worked during the tumultuous days following Villa’s attack. These sun-baked structures have weathered over a century of desert storms while preserving their authentic early 1900s character.
Camp Furlong’s remaining buildings show how military life looked during America’s last cavalry expedition. Original barracks foundations and officer quarters reveal the daily routines of frontier soldiers.
Rangers often point out bullet holes and scorch marks that serve as permanent reminders of that violent March morning.
3. Discover the U.S. Punitive Expedition Story
General John “Black Jack” Pershing’s pursuit of Villa became one of America’s most unusual military campaigns. For eleven months, 10,000 American troops searched the Mexican wilderness for the elusive revolutionary leader.
Special exhibits showcase the expedition’s groundbreaking use of airplanes, trucks, and radio communication. You’ll learn how this mission prepared American forces for World War I battles in Europe.
Maps trace Pershing’s 350-mile journey into Mexico, highlighting the diplomatic tensions that nearly sparked a full-scale war between neighboring countries.
4. Enjoy Ranger-Led History Talks
Park rangers transform dry historical facts into gripping stories that make 1916 come alive. Their presentations reveal surprising details about Villa’s motivations and the international politics behind the raid.
Children especially enjoy hearing about the brave townspeople who fought back against the attackers. Rangers use vintage photographs and replica equipment to help visitors visualize the dramatic events.
These talks happen regularly throughout the day, with special themed presentations during anniversary weeks and holiday celebrations.
5. Stroll Through Desert Gardens
Beyond the historical exhibits, nature lovers discover a surprising variety of Chihuahuan Desert plants thriving in the park’s carefully maintained gardens. Prickly pear cacti bloom with brilliant yellow flowers each spring.
Ocotillo plants stretch their spiny arms toward the sky, while desert marigolds add splashes of gold throughout the year. Educational signs help visitors identify native species and understand desert survival strategies.
Early morning walks offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, when roadrunners and jackrabbits venture out before the desert heat intensifies.
6. Visit the Borderland Town of Columbus
Just outside the park gates, Columbus maintains its small-town charm while honoring its dramatic past. Local shops sell handcrafted items and books about border history, perfect for taking home meaningful souvenirs.
Family-owned restaurants serve authentic Mexican and American cuisine, often featuring recipes passed down through generations. The Columbus Historical Society Museum offers additional artifacts and local perspectives on the 1916 events.
Walking the quiet streets, visitors can imagine how this peaceful community must have felt during those terrifying pre-dawn hours.
7. Stay Overnight Under the Stars
Camping at the park offers an unforgettable experience under some of America’s darkest night skies. Without city lights interfering, the Milky Way stretches dramatically across the desert heavens.
RV sites provide full hookups while tent campers enjoy more primitive experiences closer to how Pershing’s soldiers might have slept. Clean restrooms and shower facilities ensure modern comfort after days of historical exploration.
Many campers report that sleeping where history happened creates a deeper connection to the events of 1916.
