The Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site is located adjacent to Presidio La Baha in Goliad County. The park features an amphitheater and a bronze statue of Ignacio Zaragoza. The site is a must-see for any history buff. It is a great place for families to learn about the life and legacy of one of Texas’ most important explorers.
The birthplace is also home to a period of reconstruction of Zaragoza’s home. It is filled with artifacts from his military career and furnishings that reflect life on the early Mexican frontier. A 10ft bronze statue donated from Puebla, Mexico, was unveiled in 1980.
Zaragoza’s victory over the British at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 prompted celebrations of Cinco de Mayo weeks after the battle. A society dedicated to commemorating the general was formed in 1944, and the first Fiesta Zaragoza was held in the 1960s. The celebration includes live Tejano music, barbecue cookoffs, street food, arts and crafts vendors, and a ceremony honoring General Zaragoza.
The Zaragoza House, built in a South Texas vernacular style, displays common items from his time. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department restored the house following an archeological excavation in the 1960s. After leaving Texas for Mexico, the Zaragoza family moved to San Luis Potosi and Matamoros.
The Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site is adjacent to Presidio La Baha State Park and Historic Site. The site includes a bronze statue of Ignacio Zaragoza and an amphitheater. In 1829, Ignacio Zaragoza was born in Goliad.
Zaragoza joined the Mexican military in opposition to Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and later became secretary of war under Benito Juarez. He later fought a battle against the French at Puebla. Sadly, he died soon after. The museum at his birthplace state historic site was built on the stone foundation of his former home. A bronze statue of the Mexican general was added to the museum in 1980.
The Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site (SHS) was dedicated to the Mexican general who led his troops to victory during the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The battle helped solidify the Benito Juarez reform movement, which was formed in response to the French occupation of Mexico. Today, the Battle of Puebla is celebrated on Cinco de Mayo. Zaragoza’s birthplace is located adjacent to the Presidio La Bahia. The city is still home to descendants of the Zaragoza family.
