Both a state park and international historic site, this site has a
reconstructed birthplace and a statue of one of Mexico's most famous military
figures, Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza (1829–62). The Mexican general and liberal leader
was a minister of war under Benito Juarez. In 1862, he commanded an outnumbered
and poorly equipped Mexican army in defense of the Central Mexico city of Puebla
against an elite French force. This French army had proposed to march into Texas
to establish aid and a supply line to Confederate forces. Zaragoza's small army
fought back, inflicted heavy losses and forced the French to withdraw to the
east coast. The battle date, Cinco de Mayo (May 5), is a national holiday
throughout Mexico, and it is celebrated here and in several Texas cities.
Zaragoza died of typhoid fever on Sept. 11, 1862. Site is two miles south off
U.S. 183 at Presidio La Bahia.
City: Goliad
Region: South Texas Plains
With so many amazing things to do in Texas, there’s not enough room to feature them all. So check out some popular attractions to see just how much fun your Texas vacation can be.
Battle Of Adobe Walls
City: Stinnett
Region: Panhandle Plains
Lakes near Dallas
City: Dallas
Region: Prairies and Lakes
Lake Conroe Park
City: Conroe
Region: Piney Woods
Sylvan Beach Park
City: La Porte
Region: Gulf Coast
Lakes near San Antonio
City: San Antonio
Region: South Texas Plains
Devil’s Backbone
City: Wimberley
Region: Hill Country
Balmorhea State Park
City: Balmorhea
Region: Big Bend Country
