FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-074 – A REWIND   

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (May 5, 2026) – This edition of Fun with Maps celebrates a significant victory on the battlefield for Mexico. (Originally published May 5, 2025)

Mexico’s defeat of the French: it’s a big American celebration

Cinco de Mayo, or May 5th, is a celebration more popular in the US than in Mexico.

It recognizes Mexico’s defeat of the French at Puebla, southeast of Mexico City on May 5, 1862.

General Zaragoza, who led the Mexicans died soon after the battle.  That left the Mexicans without an experienced leader on the battlefront.

The French did not give up, and in a subsequent battle nearby they emerged victorious.  The French then went ahead and occupied Mexico City.

After the end of the American Civil War, the US began lending money to the Mexicans who rearmed, and the French eventually decided to withdraw in 1866.

So, the French helped the US to achieve independence from England, then the Mexicans fought the US in the Mexican American War, then the US helped Mexico to defeat France.  All within 100 years.

Mexico’s map is presented here from 1855 by Colton.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.