History buffs know General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín for his role in the Battle of Puebla. Mexico’s victory over French forces was a major symbol of the country’s fight for independence — a victory many celebrate as Cinco de Mayo.

But did you know Zaragoza had familial ties to San Antonio?

A brief timeline

1825 | Zaragoza's father, Miguel Zaragoza is stationed at San Antonio de Béxar. There he met María Teresa de Jesús Seguín, a relative of Tejano politician Juan Seguín.
1829 | Ignacio Zaragoza is born in Goliad, Texas.
1835 | The family moves to San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
~1850s | Zaragoza joins the National Guard of Nuevo León.
1861 | Zaragoza serves as Secretary of War, but resigns to lead the Army of the East.
1862 | Zaragoza leads the Mexican forces against France in the Battle of Puebla.

Visit the reconstructed birthplace of Zaragoza in Goliad State Park — be sure to check out the statue of him, donated by Puebla, Mexico. | Photo via Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Visit Zaragoza's birthplace in Goliad State Park. It's a ~2-hour drive from Downtown San Antonio. (Here, we put it in Google Maps for you.)