Columbus, New Mexico Commemorates 1916 Pancho Villa Raid

Memorial horse ride, ceremony, and historical presentations mark the anniversary of the attack on the border town.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:35pm

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Thousands gathered in Columbus, New Mexico on Saturday to commemorate the 1916 raid on the border town by Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa. The annual event included a memorial horse ride from the border into the village center, a solemn ceremony honoring the victims, and historical presentations about Villa's life and legacy. The festivities reflected the complex and sometimes conflicting views of Villa within the community.

Why it matters

The Pancho Villa raid on Columbus in 1916 was a pivotal moment in U.S.-Mexico relations, leading to the failed Punitive Expedition by General John J. Pershing to capture Villa. The annual commemoration keeps the history alive and allows the community to reflect on Villa's legacy as both an inspirational revolutionary figure and the perpetrator of a deadly attack on civilians.

The details

The memorial horse ride featured nearly three dozen riders, including a performer portraying Villa himself, who trekked from the Columbus Port of Entry into the village center. A memorial service was held, with Major Trevor Thompson of the New Mexico Army National Guard delivering the keynote address. Genealogist Brandon Baird also presented new research on Villa's ancestry. The festivities included food vendors, a crafts fair, and activities for children, creating a mix of solemn remembrance and celebratory atmosphere.

  • The Pancho Villa raid on Columbus occurred on March 9, 1916.
  • The annual memorial ceremony and horse ride took place on Saturday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Pancho Villa

Mexican revolutionary general who led the 1916 raid on Columbus, New Mexico.

Major Trevor Thompson

New Mexico Army National Guard officer who delivered the keynote address at the memorial ceremony.

Brandon Baird

Genealogist who presented new research on Pancho Villa's ancestry at the event.

Philip Skinner

Mayor of Columbus, New Mexico, who hosted the annual memorial ceremony and festivities.

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What they’re saying

“An event that tested the resolve of our military and shaped our relationship with our neighbor to the south.”

— Major Trevor Thompson, New Mexico Army National Guard

“Sometimes it depends on the history you believe.”

— Brandon Baird, Genealogist

What’s next

The village of Columbus plans to continue hosting the annual memorial ceremony and horse ride to commemorate the 1916 Pancho Villa raid.

The takeaway

The Pancho Villa raid on Columbus remains a complex and contested part of history, with the annual commemoration allowing the community to grapple with Villa's legacy as both an inspirational revolutionary and the perpetrator of a deadly attack on civilians.