Why Should You Visit?
Presidio La Bahia was the site of the Goliad Massacre, a tragic and significant event in the Texas Revolution. Occurring after the fall of the Alamo and before the Texian victory at San Jacinto, it lit a fire in the Texian army. You’re probably familiar with the battle cry “Remember the Alamo!” but in reality, the cry was “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!” Though this is one of the more solemn field trips we recommend, it is an important part of the story of Texas.
It is also half of the last remaining Spanish presidio/mission pairing still standing in Texas. This site along with Mission Espíritu Santo (located down the road in Goliad State Park) make an excellent field trip to learn about what life was like when Texas was part of Spain, and later Mexico.
A Great Field Trip for These Topics:
The Texas Revolution
Spanish Texas
Mexican Texas
Military Forts
Where to Begin Your Field Trip:
You will need to purchase admission inside before you begin your self-guided tour. The Presidio is owned and run by the Catholic Diocese of Victoria and the area around the chapel is considered holy ground. They ask that you follow the Rules of Reverence while visiting.
There is a small theater room near the entrance showing a short film. This is a good place to start.
What Can You Expect to See & Do While Here?
Presidio la Bahia is considered by many to be the world’s best example of a Spanish frontier fort (not to be confused with the Spanish missions that can be found across Texas.)
The main areas you’ll want to view are the indoor museum (previously the officers’ barracks,) the chapel, the enlisted men’s barracks, and the quadrangle. Just outside of the presidio, be sure to stop at the Fannin Memorial and the Angel of Goliad Statue.
The Museum
After you watch the short film to get some background information on the presidio, you can walk through the shotgun-style rooms of the museum. They are presented in chronological order, so you’ll follow a timeline of events as you go from room to room. The artifacts on display were excavated from the grounds of the presidio, which is still an active archaeological site.
The Chapel
Built inside the fort in the 1700s, “Our Lady of Loretto” was for the soldiers and Spanish settlers living in the surrounding town of La Bahia.
In 1836 during the Texas revolution, it is where Fannin and his men were held after being captured. Here they waited for what they thought was to be their release, but in reality, was their execution.
Today the chapel is still an active church with masses held regularly.
The Enlisted Men’s Barracks
Walk through the enlisted men’s barracks for an idea of what it would have been like to live in a Mexican military fort during the time leading up to the Texas revolution. The fort was essentially a military community with single men living inside the fort and families living just outside the walls in small homes (such as the birthplace of Ignacio Zaragoza, located in the front of the Presidio.)
The Quadrangle
Explore the grounds and 8-foot tall walls of the Presidio where you’ll find a canon believed to have been used by Colonel Fannin.
The Fannin Memorial
Thinking they had been taken as prisoners of war, Fannin and his men were brought back to the fort. However, on March 27, 1836 (Palm Sunday) Fannin and his men were executed on the orders of Mexican General Santa Anna.
After the Texas victory at San Jacinto, General Rusk and the Texan Army returned to gather the burned remains of the Texian soldiers and give them a funeral and burial. The monument was erected in 1968 at the burial site to honor Fannin and his men.
The Angel of Goliad
The “Angel of Goliad” was Francisca Alavez, a kindhearted Mexican woman who took it upon herself to provide aid and freedom to several of the captured and suffering Texian soldiers. She is credited with saving the lives of about 25 men from being executed in the Goliad Massacre. This was a brave and risky endeavor. A statue stands near Presidio La Bahia in her honor.
The Basics
217 US-183
Goliad, TX 77963
Open Daily: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Adult $5
Child (6-11) $2
Seniors $4.50
Child (under 6) $0
Tips for Visitors:
An amazingly unique experience is available here and has become popular on many a Texas bucket list. You can book an overnight stay in “The Quarters” and have full access to the presidio’s inner courtyard all to yourself. “The Quarters” is a small apartment that used to be the priest’s living quarters. Be forewarned, this location also shows up frequently on lists of the most haunted places in Texas.
Many events are held on the grounds, including the biggest reenactment in Texas History, held annually on the weekend closest to Palm Sunday. Check their Upcoming Events page for details.
There is a small gift shop in the museum with some unique items.
Other field trips in Goliad, TX:
Goliad State Park and Historic Site
Fannin Battleground State Historic Site
Additional Resources:
Children’s Readers
- The Texas Revolution by Kelly Rodgers
- Leaders in the Texas Revolution by Kelly Rodgers
Film
- The Texas Historical Commission presents The Goliad Massacre: 360-Degree Web Film
- Discoveries…America National Parks: San Antonio Missions & The Alamo, Presidio La Bahia (Goliad) & El Camino Real, Texas
