Village of Columbus and Camp Furlong

Portions of Columbus and Pancho Villa State Park, Columbus, NM
During the early morning hours of March 9, 1916, approximately 485 Mexican revolutionaries under the command of Gen. Francisco "Pancho" Villa crossed into the United States, attacked the sleeping border town of Columbus, N. Mex., and killed 10 civilians and 8 soldiers. Occasioned largely by a long period of political unrest in Mexico and a heavy handed American foreign policy, the incident had far-reaching repercussions. Without consulting the Mexican Government, President Woodrow Wilson ordered a punitive expedition into Mexico to capture Villa and prevent further raids across the international border. Accordingly Gen. John J. Pershing gathered several thousand U.S. troops at Columbus and led them more than 300 miles into Mexican territory. Although Pershing*s undertaking worsened the already strained diplomatic relations between the two nations and failed to catch Villa as well, it smashed several detachments of Villista guerrillas. Perhaps more important, the expedition provided an invaluable training exercise and testing ground for officers and equipment used in World War I. Because of the employment of numerous airplanes and hundreds of trucks and automobiles in addition to the largest assemblage of cavalry units since the Civil War, military historian Clarence C. Clendenen has labeled the venture correctly as "the last of America's nineteenth- century wars and the first of those of the twentieth century." Columbus stood at the center of this activity. Villa's men burned much of Columbus during their March 9 raid, but the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad depot, the Hoover Hotel, and a few other buildings survived. Today they serve as reminders of the attack and ensuing events. Only two structures associated with Camp Furlong, the supply center of the punitive expedition, remain, but the 1st Aero Squadron's old airfield, which was the first operational military airbase in the United States, continues in use.
Local significance of the district:
Military; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

During World War II, New Mexico was the site of several top-secret military installations, including the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where the atomic bomb was developed. The laboratory is still one of the largest employers in the state and conducts research in fields such as nuclear energy and national security.
Luna County, located in the southwestern region of New Mexico, has a rich and intriguing history that spans several centuries. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Mimbres and Apache, who relied on the land's resources for survival.

The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century established the first European presence in the area. They brought with them new technologies, livestock, and an interest in mining. Luna County's history is closely tied to the silver and gold mining booms of the late 1800s and early 1900s. The discovery of these valuable minerals led to an influx of settlers and the establishment of towns such as Deming, the county seat.

During this time, Luna County experienced rapid growth and economic prosperity. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, further fueling the mining industry and enhancing transportation links. This period witnessed the development of infrastructure, with schools, churches, and businesses being established to support the growing population. However, as the mines depleted and the Great Depression struck, the region faced economic hardships, leading many residents to seek employment opportunities elsewhere.

In the mid-20th century, Luna County's economy shifted towards agriculture, particularly cotton farming. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for cotton cultivation. The agricultural industry boomed, and Deming became known as the "Cotton City." However, water scarcity and changing market conditions eventually led to a decline in cotton production, prompting farmers to diversify their crops and explore alternative industries.

Today, Luna County remains an important agricultural region and is known for its pecans, chile peppers, and onion crops. The region also attracts tourists with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, including rock climbing, hiking, and birdwatching. With its rich heritage and resilient spirit, Luna County continues to evolve and adapt, embracing its past while moving towards a vibrant future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Luna County, New Mexico.

  • Luna County, NM was established in 1901
  • In 1921, the county seat was moved from Deming to its current location in Deming
  • During the mid-20th century, Luna County experienced a surge in population due to the growth of mining and ranching industries
  • In 1966, NASA established the Manned Spacecraft Center near Deming, contributing to the county's economy
  • In the 1970s, Interstate 10 was constructed, connecting Luna County to major cities like Phoenix and El Paso
  • Throughout the late 20th century and into the 21st century, Luna County has focused on promoting tourism and sustaining its agricultural sector