In 1944, men and women of La Bahia and Goliad began "La Sociedad Mutualista de Cuahtemoc named after the last great Aztec chief, today that original organization is known as the General Zaragoza Society and continues to commemorate the Mexican victory over the French, with our Cinco de Mayo celebration honoring General Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza. The General Zaragoza Society stands on the shoulders and vision of the original organization whose purpose was to bring together the Mexican-American community in their desire to gain political influence, emphasize service to others and improve the educational opportunities for their children. Today the General Zaragoza Society continues to bring all people together, emphasize service to others and maintains its commitment to educating the youth of our community. The founding officers in 1944 were President Carlos Reyes B., Vice President Emilio Vargas Sr. Secretary, Octaviano Palafox Treasurer, Pablo Arrendondo and Parliamentarian, Esteban Perez )

History is a great reminder of triumphant victories and crushing defeats and today the General Zaragoza Society celebrates tremendous accomplishments of good will on a local, state and international level. We celebrate many great fiestas and the tens of thousands of dollars given in the way of scholarships, community support, and faith. The General Zaragoza Society moved forward from its original inception and the children, families and friends of that original group continues in this great legacy. The second generation of Zaragoza members took the reins and continued the great legacy. Many visitors from across the state and from Mexico have attended the fiestas. The General Zaragoza Society also continues many great customs of the Mexican Culture, including: Cinco de Mayo, Las Posadas, the Dies y Seis de Septiembre, mariachi and Tejano music all while holding firm to its original vision. The second wave of Zaragoza members were instrumental in working with the state of Texas and the state of Puebla Mexico to create, build and bring the Zaragoza statue to its present location here in La Bahia. Through the efforts of then Zaragoza president Abigail Vargas Carbajal, Texas Governors Dolph Briscoe and William "Bill" Clemens, Mexican Governor of Puebla Toxi de Lara, State Representative from Goliad, Tim Von Dohlen and Goliad Mayor, Hernan Jaso, and Houston Constable Raul Martinez the dream of a Zaragoza statue became a reality in 1980