A principal figure in the history of Mexico, and a principal figure in the Mexican Revolution, Francisco “Pancho” Villa was born June 5, 1877, ’78 or ’79 in Grande, or San Juan del Río, Durango as Doroteo Arango (there conflicting sources as to where and when he was born). He became a fugitive when he killed an hacendado for attacking his sister. In 1910, he joined the Madero revolution but returned to civilian life and operated a butcher shop after Madero’s revolt was successful.
When Orozco rebelled against Madero, Villa returned to the field of battle. In 1916, he raided Columbus, New Mexico. Villa continued to fight until 1920 when he surrendered his troops to Adolfo de la Huerta. Hr then retired to Hacienda Canutillo until 1923. He was ambushed and killed on July 23, 1923 in Parral.
Other articles on Francisco “Pancho” Villa
- Pancho Villa
- Pancho Villa: a German agent?
- Pancho Villa: Hero or cold-blooded killer?
- Chihuahua City, Pancho Villa and Parral de Hidalgo
- Pancho Villa, re-evaluated
- Pancho Villa’s Granddaughter (a short story)
