March 9

1820  Congress passed the Land Act.The act prohibited the purchase of the public domain on credit, reduced the size of the minimum purchase size to 80 acres, required a down payment of $100.00, a substantial amount, but reduced the per acreage price to $1.25/acre.  The act was designed to help stop speculation in public land and assist small purchasers.

1849  William Alford Richards was born in Hazel Green, Wisconsin. He served as the 4th Governor of Wyoming from 1895-1899.Richards has been discussed a bit here elsewhere, but is noted for having come to Wyoming as a surveyor, and staying on as a homesteader.

1888  Natrona, Convere and Sheridan Counties created by the Territorial Legislature. They were created by an act of Territorial Legislature which overroad a veto by the Territorial Governor.  Attribution:  On This Day.

1904  A sheep raid near Laramie results in the destruction of sheep camps and the death of 300 sheep.  The early 20th Century in Wyoming was marked by a sheep war that went on for nearly a decade in which cattle interests resorted to violence in an effort to keep mostly nomadic sheep operations out of the state.  Attacks on sheep camps became common during this period.

1912  Cornerstone of Bishop Randall Hospital laid in Lander.

1916  Pancho Villa raided Columbus New Mexico, an event which would spark the Punitive Expedition and the Federalization of the National Guard.  To varying degrees, the National Guard would remain Federalized from this point through 1919, although technically all members of the Federalized Guard were conscripted during World War One due to a legal opinion of the U.S.  Attorney General to the effect that the Federalized Guard could not be sent overseas, a view that was a surprise at the time, and which has been completely rejected since that time.

 From Lex Anteinternet:  The Raid On Columbus New Mexico. 1916

 

 Villa leading his forces prior to his 1915 defeat at Celaya

0100: Forces under Francisco "Pancho" Villa cross the border near Palomas, Chihuahua to advance on the small town of Columbus New Mexico, which they intend to raid in retaliation for Woodrow Wilson's actions in allowing Carranza's forces to be transported by rail across Texas to be used against Villa's forces in northern Mexico.  

Most are on foot.  Columbus is 2.5 miles to the north of the Mexican border town, where Villistas had been located and recuperating after a recent defeat at the hands of Carranza's forces.

Villa, who may or may not have accompanied his troops that day, commanded approximately 500 men.  His force of horsemen was in disarray after being defeated at the  Battle of Celaya in April of the prior year, from which it had still not recovered.  Villa had gone in that battle with 22,000 men, 8,000 of which were killed, and another 8,000 of which were captured in the battle.  His forces at Palomas, while dangerous, were a shadow of his prior Division del Norte.

Villa believed that nearby Columbus was garrisoned with about 30 US soldiers.  This intelligence was erroneous and US forces in the region were alerted to the possibility of trouble occurring.

1929  Greybull was flooded by the Big Horn River.  Attribution:  Wyoming State Historical Society.

 The Raid on Columbus New Mexico, 1916

 Col Herbert J. Slocum, U.S. 13th Cavalry.  Slocum was in command of the 13th Cavalry Regiment at Columbus New Mexico, or more accurately Camp Furlong which was next to Columbus.

0415:  Villistas enter Columbus New Mexico from the west and southeast crying "¡Viva Villa! ¡Viva México!"

They expected to encounter an American garrison of only 30 men, as noted above, based upon their scouting and intelligence.  However, Columbus had a garrison of over 300 men, to Villa's force of approximately 500 men.  The US forces were from the U.S. 13th Cavalry who occupied adjacent Camp Furlong.  Moreover, U.S. troops were equipped in a modern fashion, complete with the Benet Mercie light machine gun which had been adopted for cavalry use.

The raid on Columbus New Mexico, 1916

 Maj General John P. Lucas during World War Two.  Lucas, as a lieutenant, would react heroically to the Villista attack.

0415-0445 to 0730.  A pitched battle between Villistas against cavalrymen of the 13th U.S. Cavalry ensues. While caught by surprise, the US forces had some inkling that Villistas may have been on the move prior to the raid and reacted very quickly.  Local Columbus New Mexico residents also took part in the battle, defending their homes.  While the battle started in darkness, the fact that a hotel caught fire soon aided US. forces in being able to pick out Villista targets.

The early minutes of the action featured a heroic reaction by Lt. John P. Lucas who fought his way alone from his tent to the guard shack in spite of lacking shoes and shirt.  Lucas who commanded a machinegun troop, organized a single machinegun in defense until the remainder of his unit could come up.  He then organized them and worked to repel the Villistas.  Lucas made a career of the Army and died after World War Two at age 59 while still serving in the Army. 

 The Raid on Columbus New Mexico, 1916

 

0730  A Villista bugler sounds retreat.  Villistas begin the process of withdrawing to Mexico with their wounded. 

The Raid on Columbus New Mexico: The Telegram.

 

The following telegram arrived in Washington, DC:

Columbus attacked this morning, 4:30 o’clock. Citizens murdered. Repulsed about 6 o’clock. Town partly burned. They have retreated to the west. Unable to say how many were killed. Department of Justice informed that between 400 and 500 Villa troops attacked Columbus, New Mexico about 4:30. Villa probably in charge. Three American soldiers killed and several injured; also killed four civilians and wounded four. Several of the attacking party killed and wounded by our forces. Attacking party also burned depot and principal buildings in Columbus. United States soldiers now pursuing attacking parties across the line into Mexico. No prisoners reported taken alive

The Raid on Columbus New Mexico, 1916

0730-balance of the day:  Troopers of the U.S. 13th Cavalry pursue retreating Villistas into Mexico.  Major Frank Tompkins, sought permission against the rules of engagement, to cross the border and was granted the same by Slocum.   His troops advanced past Palomas and fifteen miles into Mexico, where their pursuit is arrested by the Villista defense. As he had only a portion of the Camp Furlong garrison he was badly outnumbered in the pursuit but nonetheless engaged the Villista rear guard four times, inflicting heavy casualties on them.  When his advance was finally checked, he withdrew into the United States.

The raid leaves part of Columbus in ruins and will launch the United States into a punitive expedition into Mexico against Villa's forces, and which would nearly lead to war with Mexico.  Woodrow Wilson filled the vacant position of Secretary of War that very day.

The Raid on Columbus New Mexico: The news hit.

 

Most towns and cities in 1916 were served by a morning and an evening newspaper, or a paper that published a morning and evening edition.  Therefore, most Americans would have started learning of the Villista raid around 5:00 p.m. or so as the evening newspapers were delivered or started being offered for sale.

Here's the evening edition of the Casper Daily Press, a paper that was in circulation in Casper Wyoming in 1916 and which is the predecessor of one of the current papers.

1917   The Wyoming Tribune for March 9, 1917: State Troops Mustered Out
 

Wyoming's citizen soldiers were citizens again. . . although not for long.

And the Marines had landed. . . in Cuba.

The Cheyenne State Leader for March 9, 1917: Guardsmen Keep Thier Overcoats

 

Wyoming National Guardsmen being released from service were relieved to learn they'd be able to keep their overcoats.  A rumor had floated that they were to be taken and burned.  Not so, said the Army, they'd keep them.

In March, in Wyoming, that was really good news.

The Marines had landed in Cuba.  Out of Mexico and into Cuba?

The false story about Germany broadcasting the Zimmerman note to Mexico by radio was being floated.  That never happened, but the British were circulating the story as cover for how they had learned of the message.  Zimmerman himself was reported to have provided funds for an anti British rebellion in India.

The Graf Zeppelin passed away, as did the American Ambassador to Japan.

2020.  Governor Gordon issues the following statement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 9, 2020 CONTACT: Michael Pearlman, Communications Director Governor Gordon issues statement on Wyoming legislators who attended a conference where an attendee tested positive for coronavirus CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon has issued the following statement about members of the Wyoming Legislature who attended the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). An attendee of the conference was subsequently diagnosed with coronavirus.  It has come to my attention that several Wyoming legislators attended the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on February 29 where an attendee was subsequently diagnosed with coronavirus. I am given to believe that House and Senate leadership is aware of the issue. At this time it does not appear that any members of the Wyoming legislature had contact with this individual. Our state health officer has been notified and has identified these legislators as low risk. She advised that these individuals should continue to monitor their health closely at this time. I urge Wyoming citizens to recognize that as Covid 19 becomes more widespread, it is likely that many of us will eventually cross paths with someone with symptoms of the disease and people who are later diagnosed. We should continue to follow recommendations from healthcare professionals, including regular hand washing, covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when sick.

March 3

1805   President Jefferson approved the act that created the Territory of Louisiana, which included much of Wyoming.

1836     Skirmish at Agua Dulce in which Mexicans defeat Texians.

1837     US recognizes the Republic of Texas.

1847     Col Alexander W. Doniphan captures the Mexican mint at Chihuahua.

1849     The Home Department, a predecessor of the Interior Department, was established by the Federal Government.

1857  Congress authorizes the Postmaster General to seek bids for an overland stage route for the purpose of carrying mail from the Missouri River to San Francisco.

1863  Parts of Wyoming included in Idaho Territory, which was created by Congress on this day. Attribution:  On This Day.

1870  A Court empanels six women for a six juror jury, for the first time in history. Attribution:  Wyoming State Historical Society.

1871   Congress passed the Indian Appropriation Act greatly altering the relationship between Indian Tribes and the United States government.

1871   Congress established the civil service system.

1876   The first issue of the "Cheyenne Daily Sun" printed.  Attribution:  On This Day.

1876  A nighttime raid takes horses and cattle from Crook's Powder River Expedition. The cattle are recovered, but are driven to Ft. Fetterman.

1879   Congress establishes the United States Geological Survey.

1884  Buffalo incorporated.

1890  Buffalo Bill's Wild West show performs in Rome for Pope Leo.

1889  John E. Osborne concludes his service as Wyoming's Congressman.

1893  Clarence D. Clark concludes his term as Wyoming's Representative in Congress.

1895  Henry A. Coffeen concludes his term as Wyoming's Representative in Congress.

1895  Joseph M. Carey concluded his term as Senator from Wyoming.

1899  John E. Osborne concludes his term as Wyoming's Representative in Congress.

1909  Order placed for the USS Wyoming, BB-32, to be built.

1916  A spinsters convention is held in Gillette. Attribution:  Wyoming State Historical Society.

1917 The Cheyenne State Leader for March 3, 197 Troops arriving home
 

The Leader was also reporting on the Wyoming Guardsmen arriving home, and that the Colorado Guardsmen were enjoying Ft. D. A. Russell.

Villa was back in the news, reportedly getting ready to nab Carranza.

The Wyoming Tribune for March 3, 1917. Admitting the plot
 

Germany, surprisingly enough, did take ownership of the Zimmerman Note, although I'm still not too sure where the concept that they were seeking to draw the Japanese into the war, in addition to the Mexicans, comes from.

And the Wyoming National Guard was arriving in Cheyenne.

In addition, the German government forbid women's clothing from changing styles more than once every six months. 
1938  Ground broken on the Union building at UW.

2011 Governor Mead signed the bill referring the hunting rights amendment to the next general election.

2016  The Federal Government proposes delisting the grizzly bear from the Endangered Species List in the Yellowstone region.  This action does not result in the bear being taken off the list, but commences the process which is likely to lead to the grizzly being officially delisted as recovered.

2016  A conservative member of the Wyoming legislature together with an "ultraconservative" resident of Uinta County, represented by Drake Hill, the husband of former Wyoming Secretary of Education Cindy Hill who was a bitter opponent of Mead's, sued him and the the legislature in state court alleging improprieties associated with contracts for the Capitol Square project.

February 19

1864  William F. Cody joined the 7th Volunteer Kansas Cavalry.

1887  The final run of the Black Hills stage left  Cheyenne.  Attribution:  Wyoming State Historical Society.

1901  A bill prohibiting gambling signed into law.

1915  The Governor signed to acts pertaining to improvements at the state capitol consisting of the addition of wings onto the capitol building.  One was to approve the construction, and another to authorize a property tax to pay for it.

1915  The Natrona County Tribune merges into the Wyoming Weekly Review.

1917  The State Highway Commission created by the signature of the Governor of an act approving it. 

It's odd to think of Wyoming lacking a Highway Department but up until this date in 1917, it did.  That was common at the time as most vehicular transportation remained strictly local.  However, that would begin to change with the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916, which provided funds, for the first time, to state highway departments in one of the "progressive" policies of the Wilson Administration.

The activities of the Commission would be modest but growing throughout its early years.  Limited winter plowing commenced in 1923 and then it began in earnest in 1929.  In 1991 the highway department became the Wyoming Department of Transportation, which it remains.

 

Wyoming featured in a speedy automobile advertisement in 1923. 

 

1917   General Frederick Funston dies.

 

On this date in 1917 a shock happened to the nation.  The general who Woodrow Wilson already had in mind for an American expeditionary force in Europe, should the US enter the Great War, which was becoming increasingly likely, died.

And with his death, it truly seemed that an era had really passed.

 Gen. Frederick Funston, next to driver, in 1906.

Funston was a hero and a legend.  He'd risen to high command on the strength of his military achievements without being a West Point graduate.  He was truly an exception to the rules.

Funston was born in Ohio in 1865 and in some ways did not show early promise in life.  He was a very small and slight (at first) man, standing only 5'5" and weighing only 120 lbs upon reaching adulthood.  He aspired as a youth to the military, after growing up in Kansas, but he was rejected by West Point due to his small size.  He thereafter attended the University of Kansas for three years but did not graduate.  Following that he worked for awhile for the Santa Fe Railroad before becoming a reporter in Kansas City in 1890.

Only after a year he left reporting and went to work for the Department of Agriculture as a researcher in an era when that was an adventuresome occupation.  In 1896, however, Funston left that to join the Cuban insurrection against Spain in Cuba.

  Funston as a Cuban guerilla.

As most Americans spending any time in Cuba at the time experienced, he came down with malaria while serving the Cuban revolution.  Returning to United States weighing only 95 lbs he found himself back in the United States just in time to secure a commission with the 20th Kansas Infantry as it was raised to fight in the Spanish American War.  

"Funston's Fighting Kansans" in the Philippines.

The 20th Kansas didn't fight in Cuba, it fought in the Philippines.  Funston served there heroically and received the Medal of Honor, and found himself promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the Regular Army at age 35, a remarkable rise contrary to the usual story of military advancement and more reminiscent of the Civil War than anything thereafter.  Following his service in the Philippines, however, he fell into a period of controversy due to aggressively pro military action comments he made in the United States.

He was stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco upon his return to the United States and was there at the time of the 1906 earthquake.  He controversially declared martial law to attempt to combat the fire and looters and in fact authorized the shooting of looters.  Following that he was stationed again in the Philippines and Hawaii.  In 1914 he was placed in command of the Southern Department of the Army and was in command of the US forces in Vera Cruz and thereafter in Mexico under Pershing.

Funston and his family at the Presidio.

On this date in 1917 he was relaxing at the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio Texas when he suffered a massive stroke and died.  He was only 51 years of age but he had put on a tremendous amount of weight in recent years. Indeed, his weight had prevented him from active field service by the time of the Punitive Expedition, but the fact of his death in this fashion would suggest an undiagnosed high blood pressure condition, something that was commonly fatal in that era.

 

1917:  

The Laramie Boomerang for February 19, 1917: Two Wyoming Battalions To Leave Border as Cowboys cross it.

 

Two Battalions of the Wyoming Infantry were to be on their way home, the Boomerang reported.

And Theodore Roosevelt was planning to reprise his Spanish American War role if the US went to war with Germany.  Well. . . .Woodrow Wilson might have a say in that.

And the situation in Mexico was apparently getting complicated by a private body of cowboy militia crossing the border in reprisal for the recent death of their fellows.

Finally, the  Boomerang reported the situation with Germany as "hopeful". 

 

1917

The Wyoming Tribune for February 19, 1917: Colorado and Wyoming National Guard headed for Ft. D. A. Russell for Demobilization

 

News came on this Monday (in 1917) that indeed, Wyoming and Colorado state troops were headed home, or at least to Ft. D. A. Russell.

A general with a Cheyenne connection, John J. Pershing, now a national hero and the recent commander of the Punitive Expedition, came out for universal military training.  That was  big movement, of course, at the time.

And John B. Kendrick was on his way to the U.S. Senate, finishing up his time as Governor by signing the bills  that had passed the recent legislative session.

Miss Elanor Eakin Carr's engagement to Howard P. Okie, son of J. B. Okie of Lost Cabin, the legendary sheepman of the Lost Cabin area.  He'd take over his father's mercantile interest that year, but the marriage would not be a  long one.  He died in 1920

 

1921  Sixteenth state legislature adjourned.

1927  Nineteenth state legislature adjourned.

1942 Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Executive Order 9066, authorizing the removal of any or all people from military areas "as deemed necessary or desirable."  This would lead to internment camps, including Heart Mountain near Cody.

 Map showing interment camps and other aspects of the exclusion of ethnic Japanese from the Pacific Coast during World War Two.

1945 The US government imposes a midnight curfew on all places of entertainment.

1986  Vice President George Bush addressed the legislature.

1990  Budget session of fiftieth state legislature convened.

1996  Budget session of the fifty third state legislature convened.

January 12

1828 The U.S. and Mexico agree to the border falling on the Sabine River.

1872  Grand Duke Alexis commences a hunting expedition with Gen. Phil Sheridan, Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer, and William F. Cody. Their trip would include Nebraska and Colorado.  He later became an admiral in the Imperial Russian Navy, but while his influence was significant on modernization of the Navy he'd be relieved of command during the Russo Japanese War.

The Grand Duke's trip to the West,. which was part of a grand tour of the United States, symbolized a type of tourism in effect at the time, which included not only hunting expeditions such as this 1872 example, but also well equipped and well funded touring expeditions.  It also provides an example, albeit a little pondered one, on the limitations of transportation at the time.  Such expeditions were grand by necessity, although not usually this grand, as the limits on transportation meant that those heading out into the wilds of the West had very limited options if they were not intending to move there permanently, and even if they did.  Prior to the very recent advent of modern travel, those venturing beyond towns were either planning on very much roughing it, in which case they were rapidly hunting by absolute necessity, or they were extraordinarily well supplied from the onset.  While trips into and back out of the West and Wyoming were engaged in by much less well healed individuals than the Grand Duke, such as the early example by Francis Parkman, they were either relatively well provisioned or pretty darned spartan.  A good example of a contrary approach was a hunting expedition into the Big Horns by Theodore Roosevelt while he was a rancher, which actually had to start hunting well before that, and did the entire way, just in order to have the adequate provisions necessary to arrive at the intended destination.

1878  First issue of Carbon County News published. Attribution:  Wyoming State Historical Society.

1886  An explosion in the Almy coal mine killed thirteen miners.  Attribution:  Wyoming State Historical Society.

1915 The United States House of Representatives rejected a proposal to give women the right to vote anti nationwide. It did exist in some individual states.

1963  Rock Springs hits its record low of -37F.

1995  Wolves retintroduced to Yellowstone National Park.