Bug's Guidebook to Texas.

[Bugman]

This month we visit historic Goliad County, about 130 miles south of Austin. Founded in 1836, Goliad is one of the oldest counties in Texas. The county is also where one of the most infamous atrocities of the Texas Revolution, the Goliad Massacre, took place. More on that later.

 

[Bugman]

Our first stop is Goliad State Park, one-quarter mile south of the town of Goliad.

 

[Bugman]

This is Mission Espiritu Santo, part of the park. This is the third incarnation of the mission. It was first built near the Gulf Coast, later moved farther inland and finally found its permanent home here.

 

[Bugman]

When the Civilian Conservation Corps arrived in the 1930's the mission had been abandoned for decades and was little more than a crumbling ruin. After several years of careful restoration work, some of the old buildings were brought back to a near original state. Some pictures of the church.

 

[Gothika]

nice pics i want that cannon lol

 

[Bugman]

There is a small museum next to the church.

 

[Bugman]

This building housed a school and workshop.

 

[Gothika]

cool looks more like a prison then a school house lol

 

[Bugman]

nice pics i want that cannon lol

Thanks Goth, but trust me, you don't need a cannon...

 

[milagros317]

It looks very interesting, Bugman. I've never heard of the Goliad massacre.

 

[Bugman]

Less than a mile south of the mission is Presidio La Bahia. As the mission moved inland the presidio followed. See the cannon barrel in the first picture? During restoration work in the 30's this cannon was discovered buried on the grounds and was likely used in battle.

 

[Bugman]

It looks very interesting, Bugman. I've never heard of the Goliad massacre.

Thanks Mils. I think it is safe to say most people who live in Texas have never heard of it either.

 

[Bugman]

Some pictures of the presidio church. Walking up to the doors and hearing music, I though a service was underway. I took a quick peep and found it was recorded, but Mass is still celebrated here every Sunday at 5 PM. See the bell in the second picture? This is the origional church bell. During combat in 1836 it was struck by a cannonball.

 

[Bugman]

The single enlisted men lived here. Married men were allowed to live with their families in small houses outside the walls. Last picture: Muskets were fired from these small portals, which line the exterior walls.

 

[Gothika]

Thanks Goth, but trust me, you don't need a cannon...

welcome,lol 😛

 

[Bugman]

More pictures of the presidio.

 

[Gothika]

a lot of nice pics maybe if i start walking now ill be in texas in a couple years lol

 

[Bugman]

There is also a small museum at the presidio. First picture: Early in 1836 La Bahia was occupied by James W. Fannin Jr. and about 400 men. First ordered by Sam Houston to relieve the beleaguered men at the Alamo, Houston rescinded that order after the Alamo fell and ordered Fannin and his men to retreat to Victoria, 25 miles south of La Bahia. Unable to take most of his artillery, Fannin ordered his men to hide or destroy it. This picture is what remains of a cannon barrel. You are welcome to touch this wonderful, historic artifact.

 

[Bugman]

Just outside the walls of La Bahia is this modest home, the birthplace of Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza,
a Mexican general and hero of Cinco De Mayo.

 

[Bugman]

About 10 miles south of the presidio Fannin encountered a large Mexican force. The Battle of Coleto took place here March 19 - 20 1836, ending when Fannin surrendered his command under what were then honorable terms, but in doing so sealed the fate of himself and his men.

 

[Bugman]

The men were marched back to La Bahia and held in the church. On Palm Sunday 1836 they were separated into three columns and marched away in different directions. Less than a mile into the march they were halted and executed. This event, which became known as the Goliad Massacre sparked outrage in Texas and the United States, resulting in increased support for the Texans cause. Today, Col. Fannin and many of his men rest here, just outside the walls of La Bahia.

 

[milagros317]

Thanks for the additional information and extra photos, Bugman.

 

[Bugman]

Thanks for the additional information and extra photos, Bugman.

As always Mils, my pleasure. You have been a regular reader of my little series from the first chapter, and your comments (and all feedback) are always welcome and appreciated.