Columbus Municipal Airport is an abandoned airport in New Mexico. Its origins date to 1916 when it was used by the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps as a military airfield during the Pancho Villa Expedition. It was apparently closed and abandoned in the late 1970s. Today, efforts are being made to restore it to a general aviation airport.Columbus Municipal Airport is historically recognized as the birthplace of American air power.History1st Aero SquadronDuring the Mexican Revolution, hundreds of Pancho Villa's horsemen crossed the United States border and raided Columbus, New Mexico on 9 March 1916. The town was looted and burned, and 17 Americans were killed.President Woodrow Wilson immediately asked President Carranza of Mexico for permission to send United States troops into his country, and Carranza reluctantly gave permission "for the sole purpose of capturing the bandit Villa." Wilson then ordered General John J. Pershing to "pursue and disperse," the forces commanded by Villa. One of Pershing's first acts was to order the 1st Aero Squadron to Columbus to establish a base of operations. The squadron left Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas on 13 March. Two days later it arrived in Columbus with eight Curtiss JN-3 aircraft, 11 pilots and 82 enlisted men and established an airfield to the southeast of the town.The Curtiss aircraft were not in good condition, however, despite their lack of readiness, the fliers prepared for combat. The first reconnaissance flight into Mexico was made on 16 March, Captain Dodd piloting Airplane #44, with Captain Foulois as observer.
