Goliad in Goliad County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Angel of Goliad
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, August 11, 2010
1. Angel of Goliad Marker
Amid the cruelties of the Texas War for Independence, one notable woman committed acts of bravery and compassion. Francisca Alavez (also known by similar names) accompanied Mexican Army Captain Telesforo Alavez to Texas in March 1836. In seven incidents between March and April, she intervened with Mexican troops under command of Gen. José de Urrea to help captured Texian prisoners at Agua Dulce, Copano, La Bahía, Victoria and Matamoros.
On Mar. 20, Maj. William P. Miller and 75 men of his Nashville Battalion were captured as they unloaded their ship at Copano Bay. Alavez insisted that binding cords which cut off circulation be removed and food and water be provided. The men were moved to Presidio La Bahía at Goliad, where hundreds of Col. James Fannin's troops were already held after their capture at Coleto Creek. At least 342 men were taken out of the fort on Mar. 27 and shot under orders of Gen. Santa Anna in what was termed the Goliad Massacre. Alavez helped save the lives of many men, including 16-year-old Benjamin Hughes. Another survivor, Dr. J.H. Barnard, recalled that she pleaded for their lives, helped sneak out
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, August 7, 2010
2. Angel of Goliad Memorial
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The Texas Centennial of 1936 revived interest in Alavez with articles, a play, and a bronze bust and historical mural for Goliad's Memorial Auditorium. Additional commemorations, such as a resolution from the Texas Legislature in 2001, have helped confirm Dr. Barnard's assertion that "her name deserves to be recorded in letters of gold among those angels who have from time to time been commissioned by an overruling and beneficent power to relieve the sorrows and cheer the hearts of men." (2009)
Marker is property of the State of Texas.
Erected 2009 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15677.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Heroes • Hispanic Americans • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1836.
Location. 28° 38.792′ N, 97° 22.866′ W. Marker is in Goliad, Texas, in Goliad County. Marker can be reached from Fannin Monument Road east of S. Jefferson Street (U.S. 183/77), on the left when traveling east. The Angel of Goliad Memorial is on the footpath between Baldez and Cabrera Roads,
Photographed By Larry D. Moore, August 11, 2018
3. Angel of Goliad Monument and Marker Area
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. La Bahía Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Grave of Colonel J. W. Fannin and His Men (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); General Ignacio Zaragoza (about 700 feet away); Replica of Texas Independence Flagpole (about 700 feet away); Manuel Becerra (approx. 0.2 miles away); Presidio de Nuestra Señora de Loreto de la Bahía (approx. 0.2 miles away); Aranama College (approx. 0.8 miles away); Cattle Drive from La Bahia (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Goliad.
Additional keywords. Francisca 'Francita' Alvarez; Texas Revolution; Tejano; Che Rickman.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,070 times since then and 104 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 28, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 3. submitted on August 18, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
