Video: 'Pancho Villa raids Columbus, New Mexico'

(Thursday, March 9, 1916, 4:15 a.m. MST; during the Battle of Columbus) — A band of Mexican raiders led by revolutionary leader Pancho Villa attacked the U.S. border town of Columbus, New Mexico, early today, setting fire to buildings and touching off a fierce battle with American troops stationed there.

The assault, carried out by remnants of Villa’s Division of the North, began as a surprise raid on the small community about three miles north of the Mexican border but quickly escalated into a pitched fight with elements of the U.S. Army’s 13th Cavalry Regiment.

After several hours of fighting, Villa and his men were driven back across the border into Mexico.

The attack outraged the American public and strained relations between the two countries. In response, President Woodrow Wilson ordered Brig. Gen. John J. Pershing to lead a punitive expedition into Mexico aimed at capturing Villa.

U.S. forces pursued the revolutionary leader deep into Mexican territory but ultimately failed to apprehend him.