Columbus in Luna County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

James Leander Walker

Photographed By James Hulse, June 14, 2024

1. James Leander Walker Marker

Inscription. James Leander Walker came from Leander, Texas in 1910. He was a Line Rider until the "J.L. Walker Hardware & Furniture" business was established.

In 1916, he married Kathryn McKnight who was a school teacher. She along with three other lady teachers homesteaded and built a "prove-up" home where their four quarter sections met.

They were both unharmed during the Pancho Villa Raid of March 9, 1916. As Mr. Walker's store was being looted, he fled to safety out the rear door of his store residence.

Mr. Walker passed away July 28, 1921. The business was closed and his wife and two children, James and Virginia, moved to East Texas.

Captions
Hardware Store Circa 1919
James Leander Walker 4-15-1876 • 7-28-1921

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce • Military. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1910.

Location. 31° 49.841′ N, 107° 38.348′ W. Marker is in Columbus, New Mexico, in Luna County. Marker is at the intersection of West Broadway Avenue and Main Street, on the right when traveling west on West Broadway Avenue. The marker is located along the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 104 W Broadway Ave, Columbus NM 88029, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. Mary Alice and Archibald Douglass (here, next to this marker); Columbus Mercantile Company (here, next to this marker); James Todd Dean and Charles Chase Miller (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Commercial Hotel (about 500 feet away); William Christopher Hoover (about 600 feet away); "The Columbus State Bank" (about 600 feet away); First Aero Squadron Airfield (about 700 feet away); El Paso & Southwestern Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Also see . . . Battle of Columbus (1916). Wikipedia

The Battle of Columbus (Burning of Columbus or the Columbus Raid), March 9, 1916, began as a raid conducted by remnants of Pancho Villa's Division of the North on the small United States border town of Columbus, New Mexico, located 3 miles (4.8 km) north of the border with Mexico. The raid escalated into a full-scale battle between Villistas and the United States Army.

Villa himself led the assault, only to be driven back into Mexico by elements of the 13th Cavalry Regiment stationed at the town. The attack angered Americans, and President Woodrow Wilson ordered Brigadier General John J. Pershing to lead the Punitive Expedition in which the US Army invaded Mexico but failed to capture Villa.

(Submitted on June 22, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The James Leander Walker Marker is the right side marker of the three markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, June 14, 2024

2. The James Leander Walker Marker is the right side marker of the three markers

Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 40 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.