South Dakota Guard Sent to Defend US Southern Border in 1916

Securing America’s southern border is more about stemming the tide of illegal immigration today.  Many insist that the military could easily deal with the problem, including the protection of indigenous population from gangs and cartels, if only there were political will to do so.

by Duke Doering

On July 16, 1916, at  Camp Hagman, Redfield, South Dakota, Guardsmen of the 4th South Dakota Infantry prepare to leave for the Mexican Border (photo).

     Nearly the entire National Guard of the United States had been called-up for federal active duty in June of 1916.  This was the result of a March 9, 1916 raid at Columbus, New Mexico by Pancho Villa and 400 of his soldiers.  There they robbed banks, burned part of the town, and killed 21 Americans, including nine U.S. Soldiers.

     On July 31st the South Dakota 4th Infantry Regiment entrained for a four day trip to San Benito, Texas.  The South Dakota Guardsmen remained at San Benito for seven months.  They patrolled the Border, they guarded pumping plants and ranches, they “watchfully waited”, but never encountered any military action.

    In all, 158,664 Guardsmen nationwide served on active duty during the Mexican border crisis.