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Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site


category : Historic Sites
Both a state park and international historic site, reconstructed birthplace and statue of one of Mexico's most famous military figures, Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza (1829-1862). Mexican general and liberal leader was minister of war under Juárez. In 1862 he commanded outnumbered, poorly equipped Mexican army in defense of the Central Mexico city of Puebla against elite French force. Zaragoza flung back attacking army, inflicting heavy losses and forcing its withdrawal to east coast; Zaragoza died of typhoid fever on Sept. 11, 1862. It is not generally known that this French army had proposed to march into Texas to establish aid and supply line to Confederate forces-but they reckoned without Zaragoza. The battle date, Cinco de Mayo (May 5), is a national holiday throughout Mexico, and is celebrated here and in several Texas cities. Site is two miles south off U.S. 183 at Presidio La Bahia.


Come visit us in Goliad, Texas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Visitor Center

Goliad, TX Visitors Centers

Fannin Plaza

City park at S. Market and Franklin Sts. Includes Texas Revolution cannon, memorial shaft and several historical markers. Nearby is hanging tree on courthouse lawn, and Market House Museum. Newly built children's park, "Fort Fun,"

Goliad, TX Plazas

Grave of Col. James W. Fannin Jr. and Men

Monument marks grave of Colonel Fannin and 342 men who had surrendered to Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution, and were massacred at the order of General Santa Anna on Palm Sunday morning, March 27, 1836. Two miles south of Goliad off U.S. 183, a few hundred yards from Presidio La Bahia.

Goliad, TX Monuments

Goliad State Park

184-acre park features reconstructed, refurnished replica Mission Nuestra Senora del Espritu Santo de Ziga, generally called Mission Espritu Santo. Excellent interpretive displays, plus camping and picnicking area, rest rooms and river fishing spots. Mission established 1749

Goliad, TX State Parks

Market House Museum

Quaint structure with cupola on the courthouse square. First public use on Aug. 30, 1853; in 1886, building became a firehouse with meeting hall. Local volunteer fire department used the building until 1964 and restored for use as museum in 1967

Goliad, TX Museums

Things to do Historic Sites near Goliad, TX

Casa Navarro State Historic Site

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Fannin Battleground State Historic Site

A handsome monument marks site where Col. James W. Fannin Jr. and his men surrendered to Mexican army after Battle of Coleto ...

Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site

Both a state park and international historic site, reconstructed birthplace and statue of one of Mexico's most famous militar...