Goliad, Texas Travel Guide

Like the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, Goliad holds a special place in Texas history. Founded by the Spanish, Goliad is the third oldest city in Texas. To protect their passage to the Gulf, the Spaniards moved their Espiritu Santo mission and its royal protector, Presidio La Bahia (Fort of the Bay), to this location in 1749. At that time the community was named Santa Dorotea.

Why is it now named Goliad? The story is a fun one. Years later, the town's name was changed to Goliad, an anagram of the spoken letters "Hidalgo" (the "h" is silent in Spanish). Hidalgo was a priest who became a hero during the Mexican Revolution.

Few towns have their own flag, but Goliad boasts its own historic, if somewhat gruesome, banner. On October 9, 1835, the Texas colonists made a move in their battle for independence. The settlers took over the Presidio and raised the "Bloody Arm Flag," picturing a severed arm holding a sword.

The next year the Texans, led by Colonel James Fannin, surrendered at the Battle of Coleto about nine miles east of town. Approximately 390 soldiers were marched back to the Presidio. After a week of imprisonment all but 20 soldiers (who were spared as physicians or mechanics) were placed before a firing squad. Over two dozen men escaped during the massacre, but 342 were killed, the largest loss of life during the fight for independence. "Remember Goliad" soon became a cry alongside "Remember the Alamo."

Today the Presidio and the Mission Espiritu Santo are restored and open to the public. You also can visit Colonel Fannin's grave and see the monument that marks the resting place of the Texas soldiers.

Attractions:

Coleto Creek Reservoir and Regional Park. This 3100-acre reservoir is a south Texas mecca for boaters, fishermen, and campers. A park store is handy for picnickers. Winter Texans can enjoy an extended stay at these campgrounds. Located 10 miles northeast of Goliad on US 50.

General Zaragoza Birthplace. This modest structure was the first home of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza. Under Zaragoza's command, the Mexican army defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla, a date now celebrated as "Cinco de Mayo" or "Fifth of May" throughout Texas and Mexico. Today the building is filled with exhibits that depict the general's role in Mexican history. Located across from the Presidio La Bahia.

Goliad County Courthouse. Built in 1894, this historic courthouse is still operational. The infamous Hanging Tree, where death sentences were carried out from 1846 to 1870, is also still on the premises. Located between Commercial Street and Market Street.

Goliad State Historical Park. This park offers swimming, a nature trail, and camping (both tent and screened shelter). Within the park, the restored Mission Espirtu Santo de Zuniga features spinning, weaving, and pottery-making demonstrations, primarily on weekends. Located off US 183.

Market House Museum. This museum contains exhibits on local history. It also houses the Goliad Chamber of Commerce. Located at 25 South Market Street at Franklin Street.

Presidio La Bahia. The Presidio holds many titles: It is the oldest fort in the West, one of few sites west of the Mississippi that was active in the American Revolution, the only fully restored Spanish presidio, and the only Texas Revolution site with its original appearance intact.

Nearby Communities:

Helena

Panna Maria. This nearby community was the first Polish settlement in America.

Runge

For More Information: Goliad County Chamber of Commerce, http://www.goliadcc.org/