Original Members

There were a total of 160 original members of the Aztec Club, all of whom were serving in the occupation of Mexico City at the time of the Club’s founding in 1847. Over time, the club’s membership requirements were changed to extend membership to male descendants of officers who served in the Mexican War. Of the 160 original members, 72 became generals in either the United States Army or the Confederate States Army and a majority served in either the Union or Confederate armies during the American Civil War.

Among the Aztec Club’s original members were future presidents Franklin Pierce and Ulysses S. Grant as well as Robert E. Lee.

Veteran members

In 1871 Club members agreed to accept other officers who had served in Mexico during the Mexican War as Veteran Members; including officers of the United States Navy. Veteran Members were veterans of the Mexican War but were not among the 160 original members who formed the society in 1847.^[2] As of 1895, 127 individuals had been admitted as Veteran Members – 49 of which were generals or admirals in United States or Confederate States service.

Hereditary members

In 1883 provisions were also made to allow male relatives of officers who had died during the Mexican War, prior to the Club’s founding, to become members. In 1887, membership was extended to the eldest son or nearest male relative of original and veteran members as hereditary members in order to keep the club alive after the deaths of the veterans.^[2] Later, this rule was extended to include direct and collateral male descendants of eligible officers.