History of its Founding

1847 - 1848
Much uncertainty existed as to how long the American army would remain in Mexico.  The peace treaty had not yet been ratified and there was much debate about what the future would hold.  Gen. John A. Quitman espoused patience and annexation, John C. Calhoun and others evacuation and a fall-back to northern Mexico to "wait and see", and still others an orderly withdrawal.

Winfield Scott had appointed Quitman Civil and Military Governor of Mexico City.  After restoring order to the City, Gen. Quitman was able to concentrate on administrative tasks: burial procedures, prison security, replacing window glass on the palace, setting exchange rates, processing restaurant applications, and handling leave-of-absence requests.  Seeking a command commensurate with his rank, Quitman  was granted permission to return to Washington on November 1, 1847.

On January 13, 1848 a Constitution for the Aztec Club was adopted. The initiation fee was set at $20, payable in advance.  Gen. Winfield Scott and Chaplain John McCarty were elected honorary members.

On March 3, 1848, by Resolution of the Club, a Constitution, with a list of members, was printed at the office of the American Star in the City of Mexico.  It reveals the Aztec Club had been organized as an association for the purpose of providing an opportunity for members to live and dine together, and to provide the means to extend hospitable entertainment to their friends.  Its purpose was to operate a gentlemen's club in which its members could drink, dine and entertain themselves, and their invited guests, while stationed on duty far from home.  Shortly thereafter, however, it became apparent the Army of Occupation was soon to leave Mexico as the war was coming to a close.

In anticipation of the speedy withdrawal of the army from Mexico, a meeting was held on May 26, 1848 where the first steps were taken to preserve what had been established.  While it was impractical to continue the operation of a physical club facility, the bonds of friendship and brotherhood engendered were something the members wanted very ardently to preserve.  Resolutions were adopted to deal with the mechanics of closing the facility, the transfer and handling of monies, and the election of officers to serve until 1852 when it was anticipated the members would again be together.  The following preamble and resolutions were adopted:

 Whereas, The circumstances that brought the Aztec Club into existence, and made to this time its continuance both convenient and desirable, are about to cease in consequence of the withdrawal of the army from Mexico, we, the members of said Club, believing it to be impracticable to continue its existence in any useful or desirable mode, and desiring to preserve some lasting memorial of the pleasure and advantages derived from this institution, that may serve for all time as an additional bond of friendship and brotherhood among its members, do therefore

Also by resolution dated May 26th, the following were elected to be officers of the Aztec Club, "for a period of five years from 14th September, 1847", viz.:

Thus, although it was determined that no satisfactory plan could then be proposed for continuing the existence of the Club as a functioning facility after returning to the United States, but "desiring to preserve some lasting memorial of the pleasure and advantages derived from this institution that may serve for all time as an additional bond of friendship and brotherhood among its members", the members then present took the first step toward creating an organization in perpetuity.

The speed of the army's withdrawal was quicker than had been anticipated.  In June, 1848, less than one month later, the newly elected Treasurer, Lt. Peter Valentine Hagner, received orders to depart and he resigned as the club's closing had not yet occurred.  He submitted his accounts, with balance due, to the Club, which were duly approved.  The house was thereafter closed and the Club declared adjourned until the 14th of September, 1852.

Once the house had been closed and everyone had returned to the United States, the officers decided upon the diploma and seal, had a plate engraved and distributed diplomas.  This original copper plate remained in use until sometime prior to 1885 when it was lost.  Subsequently, a second engraved membership diploma was created.

At the time of the withdrawal of the Army from Mexico the Aztec Club consisted of 160 members and three honorary members.  When the armies of the United States withdrew from Mexico the Club was declared adjourned until September, 1852 when new officers were elected.

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