Columbus NM

Originally established in 1891 near the border, Columbus is now three miles north of Palomas, Mexico and 32 miles south of Deming. This most recent site was established in 1902 when the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad built the depot. Later, Camp Furlong was established

The village grew to include two hotels and many merchants. Peace mostly prevailed until March 9, 1916 when the Mexican revolutionary bandit, General Francisco (Pancho) Villa and his estimated 1,000 banditos crossed the border and raided the quiet village around 4 a.m. Much of the town was burned and sacked. Before the attack was over, 18 residents and U.S. soldiers were killed. However, more than 100 of Villa's men lay dead in the streets before the raiders fled back across the border. General John "Black Jack" Pershing pursued Villa with his U.S. punitive expeditionary force from Camp Furlong. This was the first time in American history that motorized vehicles and aircraft were used in warfare. Pershing's pursuit failed. In 1923 Pancho Villa was assassinated in Parral, Mexico.

Located on the site of old Camp Furlong, this 49-acre park offers a massive desert botanical garden. On the South Western side of Highway 9 and Highway 11, Across the road from the old Train Depot.

A film on the Pancho Villa Raid is shown at the old U.S. Customs building in Columbus. Located on the North side of Highway 9, across from the Pancho Villa State Park.

This U.S. Customs award-winning $2.6 million building serves as the international border port of entry and crossing into Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico, and is open 24 hours a day

Each year on March 9, a memorial service is held atop Cootes Hill (part of old Camp Furlong) to honor the Americans killed.
Over age 90, Harry Gunderson, a bugler from Silver City, has played taps at this March 9th event since 1960.