Battle of Carrizal Mexican Revolution Buffalo Soldiers Captured 1916 Real Photo Postcard
The Battle of Carrizal, fought on June 21, 1916, was a pivotal engagement during the U.S. Punitive Expedition into Mexico. Elements of the U.S. 10th Cavalry, a regiment composed primarily of African American "Buffalo Soldiers," clashed with Mexican Carrancista forces near Carrizal, Chihuahua. This expedition, led by General John J. Pershing, aimed to apprehend Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa following his raid on Columbus, New Mexico.
The confrontation resulted in a tactical defeat for the Americans, with several soldiers killed and 23 captured by the Mexican federal troops. The capture of U.S. soldiers caused a severe diplomatic crisis between the two nations, threatening full-scale war. However, intense diplomatic negotiations ultimately led to the release of the captured cavalrymen on June 29, 1916, easing tensions and preventing further escalation of the conflict. The postcard likely depicts these released soldiers upon their return, possibly in El Paso, Texas, where the photo company was based.
The confrontation resulted in a tactical defeat for the Americans, with several soldiers killed and 23 captured by the Mexican federal troops. The capture of U.S. soldiers caused a severe diplomatic crisis between the two nations, threatening full-scale war. However, intense diplomatic negotiations ultimately led to the release of the captured cavalrymen on June 29, 1916, easing tensions and preventing further escalation of the conflict. The postcard likely depicts these released soldiers upon their return, possibly in El Paso, Texas, where the photo company was based.
