Ignacio Zaragoza, the Mexican commander at Puebla, was born in Goliad, Texas.
Zaragoza was born on March 24, 1829, when the region was part of Mexico. His family later moved to Matamoros, where he grew up before beginning a military career.
As a Liberal officer, Zaragoza fought in Mexico’s Reform War and rose to command republican forces. His most famous victory came on May 5, 1862, when his army defeated the French at Puebla despite facing a powerful invading force.
Zaragoza died of typhoid fever in September 1862, only months after the battle. Mexican officials later honored him by renaming Puebla “Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza.”