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

Susan Parks

1895-1981

— Official Scenic Historic Marker —

Susan Parks Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, June 14, 2024

1. Susan Parks Marker

Inscription. Susan "Susie" Parks operated the telephone switchboard in 1916. She and her husband, Garnet, owned and published the Columbus Courier newspaper and lived in back of the office on Broadway Street. Susie, alone with her infant daughter, Gwen, awoke in the early morning of March 9 to gunshots and shouts of, "Viva Villa!" Pancho Villa's army was raiding the village. Susie bravely withstood the gunfire, using her switchboard to summon National Guard troops from Deming. Susie and Gwen were wounded by glass and fragments of bullets, but both survived the attack.

Reverse Side
New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative
The New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative was founded in 2005 by members of the New Mexico Women's Forum in a statewide effort to recognize women's contributions to New Mexico history on the state's Official Scenic Historic Markers.

The Initiative ensures that women's diverse histories will be remembered and told, and will inspire and provide a guide for future generations. The 2006 Legislature funded the project.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Forts and Castles

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• Women. In addition, it is included in the New Mexico Women’s Historic Marker Initiative series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1916.

Location. 31° 49.701′ N, 107° 38.415′ W. Marker is in Columbus, New Mexico, in Luna County. Marker is at the intersection of State Road 9 and State Road 11, on the left when traveling west on State Road 9. The marker is located in front of the Columbus Historical Society building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus NM 88029, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. El Paso & Southwestern Railroad (here, next to this marker); Southern Pacific Railroad Depot (a few steps from this marker); Pershing's Review Stand (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Custom House (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp at Columbus (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of Citizens Killed / In Memory of Thirteenth Cavalry (within shouting distance of this marker); The Commercial Hotel (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Aero Squadron Airfield (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Also see . . . Susan “Susie” Parks. New Mexico Historic Women Marker

Susan Parks Marker - Reverse Side image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, June 14, 2024

2. Susan Parks Marker - Reverse Side

Program

Switchboard operator, summoned the National Guard during Pancho Villa’s 1916 raid.

(Submitted on June 23, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the Susan Parks Marker in front of the Columbus Historical Society building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, June 14, 2024

3. The view of the Susan Parks Marker in front of the Columbus Historical Society building

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 41 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 3. submitted on June 23, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.