Famed American General John Pershing, who had participated in the United States' invasion of Cuba and had sealed the United States' control of the Philippines, was given command of the "Department of California" and, in 1914, was given command of the Presidio of San Francisco.

Subsequently, President Wilson ordered Pershing to move his 8th Brigade to the Mexican border.  After Pancho Villa raided Columbus, New Mexico, the U.S. Army sent around 10,000 troops into Mexico in an ill-fated effort to capture Villa.

During this Mexican period, Pershing's family lived in a home on the spot where the flag pole now stands.  August 1915, the house burned to the ground.  Pershing's wife and all three daughters died.  General Pershing moved his son to Fort Bliss, Texas.