Near Goliad in Goliad County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Mission Nuestra Senora del Espiritu Santo de Zuniga
Mission of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit of Zuniga
Photographed By Brian Anderson, April 7, 2019
1. Mission Nuestra Senora del Espiritu Santo de Zuniga Marker
Founded in 1722 by the Aguayo Expedition on "La Bahia del Espiritu Santo" (the Bay of the Holy Spirit), present Lavaca Bay. This mission reflects its former site in the popular name, "La Bahia". Its formal name (in part) honored Baltasar de Zuniga, Viceroy of New Spain.
Because of threats from the French and the Indians, Spain founded this mission and its auxiliary fort, Presidio Nuestra Senora de Loreto de la Bahia (now ž mi. SE) to defend its territory and convert the natives.
Difficulties, however, caused both to be moved, in only four years, to the Guadalupe River, and again in 1749 to this site, on the San Antonio River.
At its peak of success the mission possessed huge herds of cattle and supplied settlements in Mexico, as well as missions in present Texas.
In 1758 about 180 persons resided at the mission and fort. All about were Indian "jacales", crude clay-plastered brush huts thatched with grass. Spacious grazing lands and fertile fields surrounded the area, where colonists had formed a small community.
After a general decline caused the mission to be secularized in 1830, it fell into ruin. In 1932, this land was deeded to the state by Goliad County. The mission complex was partially restored, 1936-1939.
Erected 1969 by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1722.
Location. 28° 39.419′ N, 97° 23.221′ W. Marker is near Goliad, Texas, in Goliad County. Marker can be reached from Park Road 6, 0.2 miles west of South Jefferson Street (U.S. 183). Marker is located in Goliad State Park just in front of the entrance to the Mission grounds. It is directly across from and facing the marker "Site of the Mission Nuestra Seņora del Espiritu Santo de Zúņiga". Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 108 Park Road 6, Goliad TX 77963, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of the Mission Nuestra Seņora del Espiritu Santo de Zúņiga (here, next to this marker); Mission Espíritu Santo (within shouting distance of this marker); Cattle Drive from La Bahia (within shouting distance of this marker); Aranama College (within shouting distance of this marker); A Native Texas Mission (within shouting distance of this marker); Judge James Arthur White and the Civilian Conservation Corps at Goliad State Park (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Strength of Stone (about 700 feet away); Goliad Memorial Auditorium (approx. ž mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Goliad.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Brian Anderson, April 7, 2019
2. Mission Nuestra Senora del Espiritu Santo de Zuniga Marker
Rear of the marker is visible beneath the tree to the left of the walkway. Site of the Mission Nuestra Seņora del Espiritu Santo de Zúņiga marker is visible at the right of the walkway.
Postcard published by Curtteich, 1935
3. Mission La Bahia, Near Goliad, Texas Built in 1749
Photographed By Brian Anderson, April 7, 2019
4. Mission Nuestra Senora del Espiritu Santo de Zuniga
Credits. This page was last revised on March 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 526 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 27, 2020, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. 3. submitted on April 17, 2018. 4. submitted on March 27, 2020, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
