The history of Unión de Tula is complimentry to the history of México. México is a beautiful country that holds many historical treasures. Jalisco is one of the states included in this great country. Here you will find that the words "Mariachi" and "Tequila" are two dependent things of one another. These words are symbolic because they represent Mexico's traditions, culture and one more excuse to party.

A story has it that Tequila was discovered in the state of Jalisco. According to the story, a Nahuatleca Indian saw a lightning strike an agave plant. As he got closer, he observed that juice was dripping from it. He tasted it and noticed that the taste was rather satisfying. He also discovered that by chewing this plant, it seemed he was able to walk a longer distance without getting fatigued. Wether or not it was true, the legend of Tequila was born.

With respects to Mariachi, it not only acknowledges the Mexican heritage, but it is also a good therapy to the human soul. Through empirical senses of hearing the music, seeing the different types of dances and tasting the excellent food, one can have a great time. Mariachi music softens the heart and transports you to beautiful places, as far as your imagination allows it. When I hear this type of music it just makes me want to scream "VIVA México".

Unión de Tula was founded three hundred years after the conquest of Hernán Cortéz in May 28, 1821. The roots of the city begin with four founders. The first letters of the four founder's last name are embedded in the name "TVLA"

• Topete,

• Villaseñor,

• Lazcano, and

• Arriola.

These four descendant families of the conquistadors had a mutual agreement in the founding of the town. In a way, they wanted to compensate and honor their Spanish ancestors that participated in their victory.

Don Antonio E. Topete was born in a hacienda named " La Higuera" on March 24, 1772. Don José Ma. Villaseñor G. was born in a neighboring hacienda named "San Cristóbal" on May 26, 1748. Don Pedro G. Lazcano migrated from a near town named "San Clemente", but he never revealed his age. He was Unión de Tula's first president. Don Domingo de Arriola was born in "Santa Ana" in 1782 (the month was not documented).

Considering that the four families were not liked because of their European heritage, they were still able to overcome their obstacles in the building of the town. The government was not willing to help them out financially; nor were they willing to provide the land for them, so the founders financed the construction independently. They only wanted to prove to the residents that they were "conquistadors" of peace. After all, they were as Mexican as any other citizens. It was the previous Spanish families that invaded Mexican territory, not them.

During this period of time, the founders lived in their beautiful haciendas near "Ixtlahuacán de Santiago". Mr. Pedro Lazcano, who is considered the leader and soul of the founders of the town, wanted to build the town in the center of their haciendas and get their independence from the surrounding towns. They also wanted the town to be a symbol of a new beginning, hope, and prosperity for the new freed citizens. Their determination in building the town was a great success and truly immortalized them. They built the first independent and historical town that became very strong financially, politically, and socially.

On May 28, 1821 they acquired the license to initiate their project. On January 17, 1824 the first church was built under the supervision of the priest Don Diego de Arévalo. On December 23, 1824 the first holly matrimony was recorded.

Unión de Tula TODAY

Unión de Tula is located in the south region of the state of Jalisco. The territorial extension is about 441.63km (square). The altitude is 1340m above sea level. The weather is semi-dry (May and June being the hottest). There are approximately 15,000 residents. Agriculture is one of their main resources; including corn, wheat, and chickpea. To see more on agriculture, visit the food section of the web site. There is some modern architecture in city hall and throughout the city. There is a hospital, a bank with an ATM, a library, a post office, and even 2 sports arenas (plazas de toros).

The inhabitants of La Union De Tula are of mestizo race (half-Spanish & half Indian). The residents generally practice the catholic religion. However, Christianity is beginning to spread quickly. The crime rate is very low, and there is absolutely no gang activity. There is a local high school, jr. high, and elementary school. Sports among teenagers have always been popular. Soccer is a way of life there. It is almost as important to them as religion. Life is tranquil and the people are very passive. They offer anyone food and hospitality before even being introduced to you.

The following dates are remembered annually. The month of May is the anniversary of the pueblo. There are bull ridings, parties, and lots of fun for people of all ages. The month of August is the "Dia de la Virgen"(Virgin Mary's day). This is the day when the residents ride horses and drink "Ponche" (alcoholic beverage). The month of September includes Mexico's Independence Day, September 16. This is a national holiday. The month of October is another celebration of "Nuestra Señora Del Rosario"(one more virgin). During this month, there are parades, floats, festivals, and lots of tasty food.

Finally, I want to thank you for making the time and reading this brief history of my beautiful pueblo. On behalf of the "MEZA FAMILY", we hope you like the pictures, learn more about our culture, and decide to visit soon.

Click on the historical pictures below to see a larger picture....

Oscar Oliva and Octavio Livin' the vida loca!
In the old days, this was a 'queen size' matress.
La Union is a mix of the old and the new.
The old barbershop in the Central Plaza on Jalisco Street. This is the oldest corner in town. (Notice the horse parking in front.)
The Bambi Bar is one of the oldest Cantinas in town also located in the Plaza.
This is the old movie theater where many of us spent time as we grew up.