Mesilla Valley, New Mexico

Shortly after the First Battle of Bull Run the conflict of the Civil War reached the southwest. On July 25th, 1861, Colonel John R. Baylor and his 220 Texas Mounted Rifles marched into the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico. The Confederate troops encountered only slight resistance. The skirmish took place when Major Isaac Lynde, commander of the Federal troops at nearby Fort Filmore, attempted to drive the Confederate Regiment of Texas Mounted Rifles from Mesilla. Major Lynde approached the town with his troops and demanded that the Confederates surrender. When Colonel Baylor refused, Major Lynde opened fire with his artillery. He then ordered his cavalry to attack Colonel Baylor's troops. Major Lynde's attack was driven back. The Union forces suffered the loss of three enlisted men, two officers were also killed and another four men were wounded. There were no losses to the Confederates.
Within two days of fighting, the Union troops had abandoned Fort Fillmore, surrendering at San Augustin Spring. Colonel Baylor then set up his immediate headquarters on Calle Principal, off the Plaza in Mesilla where he raised the Confederate flag.