2016 Fall Newsletter

Mesquite, Cactus, Ra lesnakes, Scorpions and Tarantulas An old- mer told me “in Texas there are three things you can be sure of, something will s ck you, bite you or s ng you.” By Jim Bousman

By 1840 Texas had gained independence from Mexico and established the Republic of Texas. Mexico s ll claimed California and the southwestern part of what is now the United States. The cry of “Manifest Des ny” spurred the western expansion across the Mississippi River. Soon land trails crossed to Santa Fe and others forged their way to the Pacific Ocean. The Captains of Industry longed for a railroad to the Pacific. Early plans were made for a southern route because it was easier than crossing the Rockies. However, Mexico stood in the way. In order to secure land for the railroad the United States annexed Texas, started a war with Mexico and obtained the last 29,670 square miles through the Gadsden Purchase. Even though the land was now part of the United States, many Mexicans thought these lands s ll belonged to Mexico. A er the Gadsden Purchase, the United States Government’s only interest in Mexico was protec on of U. S. investments. However, by the turn of the 20th century the border was beginning to play a larger role in U. S. - Mexican rela ons. The Mexican Revolu on and the escala on of raids by Mexican na onals across the land border and Rio Grande caused the deployment of U. S. Army forces along the southern border with Mexico. During the summer of 1915, guerrilla warfare broke out all along the border. The “straw that broke the camel’s back” was Pancho Villas’ a ack on a detachment of the 13th U. S. Cavalry and the town of Columbus, New Mexi co on March 9, 1916. A er the a ack on Columbus, President Wilson order a Puni ve Expedi on led by General John J. Pershing to cross into Mexico in pursuit of Pancho Villa.

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