The regional history museum covers the two military episodes that made Cuautla famous. The 1812 Siege, during the War of Independence, saw José María Morelos — one of the great figures of that war, and the man for whom the state of Morelos is named — defend the city for 72 days against a superior Royalist force. The 1911 Battle of Cuautla, a century later, was one of Zapata's first significant victories in the Revolution. Both episodes are documented here with artifacts, maps, and period photographs.
The museum is worth a visit before you wander the historic center, since it provides the context that makes the monuments and plaques make sense. Without it, Cuautla is a modest market town with a lot of statues. With it, you start to see why people here carry the city's history with such obvious pride.