Page "Boy's Town, Nuevo Laredo" Paragraph 1

The origins of the Boy's Town concept along the U. S .- Mexico border can be traced in part to the relationship that developed between the United States Army and various ad hoc entrepreneurs in northern Mexico during the Army's 1916 – 17 Punitive Expedition ; specifically when General John J. Pershing's forces were pursuing General Pancho Villa in Chihuahua.

While the troops were based 100 kilometers south of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, at Colonia Dublain, a small group of vendors, launderers, barkeeps, and prostitutes set up businesses next to the army camp.

Eventually, General Pershing ordered that the prostitutes be restricted to the southern end of the camp where they would be inspected and certified by the military medical officers.

A flat rate for sexual intercourse was also established.