Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a Field Trip to Goliad, Texas to see the birthplace of General Zaragoza, the hero of Cinco de Mayo.
Why should you visit the Zaragoza Birthplace and what does it have to do with Cinco de Mayo?
Texans love celebrating every 5th of May, but do you know what this festive celebration is all about? Find out here.
Many people think they are celebrating Mexican Independence Day, but that’s not quite right. Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla, a battle that was won against the much bigger and better equipped invading French army.
Did you also know that the general responsible for this victory was born in (present day) Goliad, Texas? You can visit General Ignacio Zaragoza’s reconstructed birthplace in Goliad. It is an official Texas State Historic Site and it’s located right next to Presidio La Bahia (an 18th century Spanish mission and later an important site in the Texas Revolution.)
Great Field Trip for These Topics:
Cinco de Mayo
Mexican Heritage
Texas History
What Can You Expect to See & Do While Here?
This is a fairly quick field trip consisting of a small home and an outdoor monument. Visit the reconstructed home where Ignacio Zaragoza was born. It’s chock full of very informative exhibits. Then, head outside to view the monument erected in General Zaragoza’s honor.
(While you’re here there is a much bigger field trip directly across the street. We highly recommend visiting Presidio La Bahia. Click here for more information.)
The Basics:
Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site
Carabajal Rd.
Goliad, TX 77963
Operates as part of Goliad State Park. Click here for more information.
Tips for Visitors:
The Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site is part of Goliad State Park which includes many historic sites and family friendly activities. You can check out their website here.
Goliad, TX is rich in Texas history. Here are a few more nearby field trips to consider:
DIY Journal & Additional Resources:
With DIY Journaling, students learn the fun way. First, by choosing resources that interest them, and then customizing each topic with their own creativity.
Suggestions on resources and activities are listed below.
For more information, or to purchase the downloadable Cinco de Mayo Journal, click here.
