Aztec Club of 1847

The Aztec Club of 1847 is a military society founded in 1847 by United States Army officers of the Mexican–American War. It is a male-only hereditary organization with membership of those who can trace a direct ancestral connection "based on male descent" to those initially eligible or have a "collateral relationship to fourth cousin". Membership is by invitation only and has no membership dues.

Similar to the earlier Society of the Cincinnati, which arose out of the officer class of the American Revolutionary War, the Aztec Club was a precursor of veterans' organizations such as the Grand Army of the Republic, the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the United Confederate Veterans, which veteran officers formed after the American Civil War.

After the last battles of the Mexican–American War a sizable force of regular U.S. Army troops occupied Mexico City; on October 13, 1847, a meeting of officers was held in the city to form a social organization to help pass the time comfortably until their return to the United States. The original organizers were Robert C. Buchanan, Henry Coppée, John B. Grayson, John B. Magruder, Franklin Pierce, Charles F. Smith, and Charles P. Stone.

The Aztec Club's first president, elected that evening, was John A. Quitman. The club numbered 160 members by the time the army evacuated the City to return to the United States, among its members most of the major figures of the Mexican War American army and a large group whose fame would come a decade and a half later. Membership was extended to all officers who had served in the campaign from Vera Cruz on, and carried much prestige not only in Mexico but in the United States. The founders of the Aztec Club sought to emulate the Society of the Cincinnati, established in 1783 by officers who served in the Revolutionary War. Indeed, many of them were sons or grandsons of the original Cincinnati members.

The site chosen for its clubhouse was the former home of José María Bocanegra, the Mexican minister to the United States, an 18th-century palace initially built for the Viceroy of New Spain, just off the Plaza de la Constitución, the Zócalo of the conquered city. On January 13, 1848, a formal club constitution had been adopted, with a $20 initiation fee. The commanding general of the occupying army, Winfield Scott, was voted into honorary membership.

Winfield Scott wanted to reward his officers, so, using military funds, he hired locals to spruce up the old building turning it into the Aztec Club. Only officers who served with him from Veracruz to the occupation of Mexico City were allowed to attend the private club. The Aztec was a stunning hit with the officers. It allowed them to escape the city's dirt and grime and escape the smell of death. Selected upscale meals were served, and the finest whiskey was provided to those who drank. On occasion, local talent performed.

"We have a magnificent club house, and it is a source of great pleasure and comfort to us." wrote George B. McClellan. "We go there and are sure that we will meet none but gentlemen." The Aztec Club quickly became the place in the city. The ranks of the organization swelled quickly, including William T. Sherman, George G. Meade, and Kentuckian Simon Bolivar Buckner.

". . .The Club was organized for the purpose of forming a resort for officers, as a promoter of good fellowship, and of furnishing a home where they could pass their leisure hours in social intercourse, and where more palatable and healthful viands could be procured at a reduced price than at the best Fandas of the city."