24th Infantry

The text about the 24th infantry i read was the Mechem papers which are a series of documents from the Governor of New Mexico at the time (Mechem) and a group called the war department. In these papers a field agent reports that essentially the predominately black 24th infantry is running amuck in Columbus, New Mexico and is partaking in and and facilitating illegal prostitution within the city. It is clear from the beginning of the papers that this specific agent is biased against the town as they call it “a negro dive”. It was then suggested that the 24th infantry move to another station so that another base where laws were more closely enforced. The field agent also suggests that the group be restructured to include more white troops. Later Governor Mechem received a letter from Secretary of War that in reality a further investigation found that the 24th infantry was actually in no way participating in the illegal activities and were a stand up group. Evidence showed that the illicit vice activities were committed by people no longer in the infantry but would continue to wear the uniform as a sort of disguise. Investigations continued in Columbus and time and time again found the soldiers to be not only beneficial to the town but crucial to the towns economy. These days the town of Colombus and more specifically camp Furlong are historical landmarks.