Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There is a wealth of historic sites in and around the lovely town of Goliad, making it a
must-see stop. It's 25 miles off US 77 and Victoria.
Sights
The hub of Goliad,
Courthouse Square
, features - surprise! - a grand old 1894 courthouse.
Among the many stately oaks on the square is one labeled the 'Hanging Tree,' for self-ex-
planatory reasons. A historical marker recalls the Regulators, 50 vigilantes who 'pursued
criminals with vigor and often with cruelty' from 1868 to 1870.
Goliad State Park
( 361-645-3405;
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
; 108 Park Rd 6, off US 183; adult/child $3/free; 8am-5pm, gates close
10pm except to overnight guests)
The focus of this park just south of town is the huge and restored
Mission Espiritu Santo
. Dating to the 18th century, this was an important site during the Span-
ish colonial era. Massively rebuilt, you can get a sense of that time in the echoey chapel.
Don't miss the museum in the old school and workshop building. The lush surrounding
park has quiet riverside hiking trails.
HISTORIC SITE
Presidio La Bahia
( 361-645-3752;
www.presidiolabahia.org
; US 183; adult/child $4/1; 9am-4:45pm)
Built in 1749 by the
Spanish to deter the French (who were then sniffing around the eastern edges of their em-
pire), Presidio La Bahia played a role in six revolutions and wars. Texas revolutionaries
seized the fort - now faithfully restored by the church - in October 1835.
The following year, Colonel Fannin and his men were held inside the walls by Mexican
forces for two weeks before they were executed (their graves are nearby). The presidio is
2 miles south of Goliad and close to Mission Espiritu Santo.
HISTORIC SITE
Fannin Battleground State Historic Site
( 512-463-7948;
www.visitfanninbattleground.com
;
734 FM 2506, off US 59)
On March 20, 1836,
Col James W Fannin fought Spanish forces here at the Battle of Coleto Creek. The men
were overwhelmed and surrendered. Two weeks later most were executed at the Presidio
La Bahia in nearby Goliad. The site, 9 miles east of Goliad, is quiet today. Look for the
gin screw, a relic of early efforts to commemorate the battle.
HISTORIC SITE
