1916 battle fought between the United States and Mexican Revolutionary forces under Pancho Villa
The raid on Columbus prompted the U.S. Punitive Expedition into Mexico, the last major cross-border military incursion by the United States against Mexico.
Key Facts
- Date
- March 9, 1916
- Attacker
- Pancho Villa's Division of the North (Villistas)
- Defender
- 13th Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Army
- Location
- Columbus, New Mexico, 3 miles north of Mexican border
- U.S. Response
- Punitive Expedition led by General John J. Pershing
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Pancho Villa, commanding remnants of his Division of the North, launched a cross-border raid into the United States. Motivations likely included acquiring supplies, weapons, and drawing the U.S. into conflict with the Mexican government. The small border town of Columbus, New Mexico, was selected as the target, situated only 3 miles from the Mexican border.
In the early hours of March 9, 1916, Villista forces under Pancho Villa's personal command attacked Columbus, New Mexico. What began as a raid escalated into a full-scale battle when elements of the 13th U.S. Cavalry Regiment garrisoned at the town mounted a defense, ultimately driving the Villistas back across the border into Mexico.
The attack provoked widespread outrage among Americans and compelled President Woodrow Wilson to order Brigadier General John J. Pershing to lead the Punitive Expedition into Mexico. Despite months of operations, U.S. forces failed to capture Villa, and the expedition was eventually withdrawn without achieving its primary objective.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
John J. Pershing (Punitive Expedition).
Side B
1 belligerent
Pancho Villa.