Village of Columbus and Camp Furlong

The Village of Columbus and Camp Furlong is a military historic site on the Mexico-United States border in New Mexico with preserved army buildings and structures from the early 1900s. The place includes a former military camp with barracks, administrative buildings, a historic customs house, and an airfield that together document the history of this border region.

The settlement developed as a military outpost during tensions on the Mexican border and gained significance following an armed attack in March 1916. That assault led to the dispatch of a major military expedition that transformed the village and military installation.

The site preserves buildings from the original military camp that show how soldiers lived in this remote border region during the early 1900s. Walking through these structures, you see the everyday spaces where troops worked, slept, and spent their free time.

The site sits directly on the border and is most accessible during warmer months when conditions for exploring the outdoor structures are more comfortable. Before visiting, check which buildings are open since some areas have limited access.

The site holds the first tactical military airfield in the United States, used by Army pilots during a large-scale border operation. This early airfield witnessed the beginnings of aviation in military operations and remains an important chapter in military aviation history.

Location: New Mexico

GPS coordinates: 31.82750,-107.63056

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:01