Factors Influencing the Impacts on Security of Manning Military Posts on the United States-Mexico Border from 1865 to 1916
Abstract
On 11 January 1878, following the resolution of a U.S.-Mexico border incident in San Elizario, Texas, a small town on the R o Grande about 30 miles southeast of El Paso, Colonel Edward Hatch, the 9th Cavalry Regiment Commander, submitted a report to the Secretary of War. His concluding statement suggested that the existence of Fort Bliss as a permanent installation with from 200 to 400 soldiers would have prevented the riot in San Elizario, which housed the post. From 1862 to 1882 the Army built, manned, and maintained an average of 33 outposts in the U.S.-Mexico border region to stop the raids of Mexicans and American Indians. Exploring these posts and when, where, how, and why they were established and closed, in addition to exploring the measures that led to a moderately secure and stable border may provide some insight into how the U.S. can better secure borders as part of the Global War on Terrorism. This paper will explore the impact, or affect, these posts had on the security and stability of the U.S.-Mexico border, primarily focusing on Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas from 1865 to 1916. In other words, was Colonel Hatch correct? Would "a garrison of even 100 men" have significantly contributed to a safer border in 1877? This thesis explored that question and identified factors counter to Colonel Hatch's statement. According to the author, while a strong military presence helped remove revolutionaries from the Lower Rio Grande Valley, other factors were more responsible for the security and stabilization of the frontier border. These factors were the deliberate use of the frontier forces available, the installation of experienced negotiators as commanders in out posts near border towns, the reduction in military presence in border towns, and an emphasis on local government control of domestic troubles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 15, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA471719
Entities
People
- Eric L. Bradley
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College