Abundant resources from the Texas terrain made the construction of this Mission possible.
Abandoned and Neglected
In 1758, native people built the Mission from local limestone. After the Franciscan priests left, the Mission was . . . — — Map (db m235214) HM
On Calle Cinco de Mayo at Camino de Bexar on Calle Cinco de Mayo.
The Texan victory at the Battle of San Jacinto led to the withdrawal of the Mexican army from Texas. At the end of May 1836, General Thomas Rusk reoccupied Victoria and Goliad. The Centralist soldiers had only partially burned the bodies of . . . — — Map (db m235075) HM
On Calle Cinco de Mayo at Camino de Bexar on Calle Cinco de Mayo.
The view from this bastion makes it easy to see why the Spanish chose to locate Presidio La Bahía on this ground. The San Antonio River provided a ready water supply. The fort's garrison could easily watch over Mission Espíritu Santo, only a short . . . — — Map (db m235072) HM
In addition to archaeology, architect Raiford L. Stripling relied on a lithographed birds-eye view of Presidio La Bahía. It was published in New York in 1836 and was based on a plan drawn by Captain Joseph M. Chadwick, a staff officer serving under . . . — — Map (db m235071) HM WM
Near Fannin Monument Road east of S. Jefferson Street (U.S. 183/77), on the left when traveling east.
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 . . . — — Map (db m36263) HM
Named for 18th century Indian converts of Mission Espiritu Santo de Zuñiga. A men's college. Founded 1852 by Western Presbytery of Texas. Used buildings of old mission plus funds given by Goliad.
Taught Latin, Greek, geography, surveying, . . . — — Map (db m132011) HM
On U.S. 59, 0.2 miles west of State Highway 239, on the left when traveling west.
The mission remains are not yet fully understood, but archeologists have determined how some of the structures were used.
A. First Chapel
The eastern side of the main structure is believed to have been the first chapel, constructed . . . — — Map (db m235456) HM
On U.S. 59, 2 miles west of State Highway 239, on the left when traveling west.
Struggling to overcome cultural differences, the Spanish and native inhabitants of the Texas missions forged connections that would alter the course of Texas history.
Conflict and Cooperation
When the first missionaries arrived, South . . . — — Map (db m235452) HM
On South Commercial Street at South Courthouse Square, on the right when traveling south on South Commercial Street.
The town of Goliad began to grow in 1889 with the arrival of the locomotive. The railroads created the ability to receive larger supplies at a lower cost. Lumber, brick, stone and other materials that were formerly shipped by wagon were now . . . — — Map (db m132544) HM
After Spain joined the American colonists in declaring war on England in 1779, Spanish soldier Bernardo de Galvez traveled to New Orleans to raise an army. Aware of the great number of wild cattle in Texas from his time spent stationed in the . . . — — Map (db m132013) HM
On South Market Street south of North Courthouse Square, on the right when traveling south.
Early Goliad leader Rafael Antonio Manchola was born to a Spanish aristocratic family circa 1800. In 1822, he arrived in La Bahia, and two years later he wed María de Jesús de Leon, daughter of empersario Martín de León and Patricia de la Garza. . . . — — Map (db m34245) HM
On Cabrera Road at Barnhill Road, on the right when traveling north on Cabrera Road.
Texan soldiers of Colonel Fannin's command killed and mortally wounded in battle of March 19, 1836 and buried in Texan trenches on the battlefield
Alfred Dorsey • Conrad Eigenauer • John Jackson • John Kelly • William H. Mann • George McKnight . . . — — Map (db m237668) WM
On South Mt Auburn Street at West Fannin Street, on the right when traveling south on South Mt Auburn Street.
The Fannin Street United Methodist Church began in 1872. One of the earliest African American churches in Goliad County, it was founded after Emancipation when many former slaves who previously worshipped with their owners established their own . . . — — Map (db m192232) HM
On North Courthouse Square at South Market Street, on the right when traveling east on North Courthouse Square.
In Memoriam
First Lieut. James H. Ewell Jr., C.A.U.S.A. Battery B, Fifth Anti-Aircraft Battalion 1889-1918
Resigned the Office of County Attorney of Goliad County Entered First Officers Training Camp May 1917. Sailed for France August . . . — — Map (db m192253) WM
On West Pearl Street (U.S. 59) at North Chilton Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Pearl Street.
This historic congregation was organized in the 1840s. In 1859, the Goliad Circuit of the Methodist Church reported 166 members, the largest membership in the Rio Grande Conference. Some African Americans worshipped with Anglo Methodists before . . . — — Map (db m132018) HM
On South Chilton Street north of West End Street, on the right when traveling south.
A group of twelve Baptists met under an oak tree one block west of the Goliad town square on this site in May 1849. The Rev. John Freeman Hillyer officiated at the meeting, during which the twelve organized the first Baptist church in the area. The . . . — — Map (db m132240) HM
On Loop 71 at U.S. 183, on the left when traveling east on Loop 71.
His victory over the invading French army at the Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862, inspired the Mexican people in their long struggle to overthrow the foreign rule of Emperor Maximilian.
Spanish:Su victoria sobre el ejército . . . — — Map (db m235201) HM
On Calle Cinco de Mayo at Lopez Road on Calle Cinco de Mayo.
Nació en este lugar cuando se llamaba "Bahia del Espíritu Santo." En 1855, al mando de un ejército de voluntarios Mexicanos, contribuyó a la derrota del dictador Santa Anna.
Siempre fue caudillo en la defensa de su patria, el 5 de . . . — — Map (db m202022) HM
On South Market Street north of East Franklin Street, on the right when traveling north.
One of the three first Texas municipalities. Old Aranama Indian village called Santa Dorotea by the Spanish. Presidio La Bahia and Mission Espiritu de Zuniga established 1749. Here early events leading to the Texas Revolution were expeditions of . . . — — Map (db m34142) HM
First known to Spanish settlers as Nuestra Senora de Loreto, later called La Bahia del Espritu Santo.
Established as a mission in 1749. Became a strategic fort under Spanish, Mexican, Texas occupancy, 1810-1821, 1835-1836. Name changed to Goliad . . . — — Map (db m34291) HM
On North Courthouse Square, on the right when traveling east.
Built 1894. Cost $67,888.95. Limestone and brick from old courthouse were used in this, the fourth one built since county's creation in 1836.
Used as hospital after 1902 cyclone. A 1942 storm tore off central clock tower. Enlarged in 1964. . . . — — Map (db m132435) HM
On North Courthouse Square at South Market Street, on the right when traveling east on North Courthouse Square.
In Memory of Men Who Died Serving Their Country in World War I
Pvt. Charley Barden
Pvt. George Billups
Pvt. Robert L. Connevey
Lt. Heath Ewell
Pvt. Herman Fell
Pvt. Thomas M. Harding
Pvt. Flinton Hillver
Pvt. Alfred . . . — — Map (db m192234) WM
Because these sons of Goliad Co. gave their lives in World War No. II that freedom might live, the citizens erected this memorial and dedicated it to their undying hopes and everlasting memories
Tec. 4 Albrecht, Paul E. • Lt. Col. Atkinson, . . . — — Map (db m212393) HM WM
On South Commercial Street at East Franklin Street, on the right when traveling south on South Commercial Street.
First met on Aug. 18, 1851. Chartered Jan. 24, 1852. First Worshipful Master was A. H. Biscoe. All meetings have been held in this rubble stone building since it was erected in 1854. Post office and city hall occupied the first floor for many . . . — — Map (db m132547) HM
On Auditorium Drive east of U.S. 183, on the right when traveling east.
Completed in 1937, the Goliad Memorial Auditorium was built to commemorate the Texas Centennial. The 43rd State Legislature allocated $3 million for the centennial and the 44th Legislature created the commission of control for the Texas Centennial . . . — — Map (db m132014) HM
On South Commercial Street, on the right when traveling north.
A cyclone, considered one of the two most disastrous in Texas history, struck Goliad on Sunday, May 18, 1902. The twister touched down on the south side of the San Antonio River at 3:35 p.m. Sounding like a heavily loaded freight train, the storm . . . — — Map (db m34115) HM
On Fannin Monument Road at Cabrera Road on Fannin Monument Road.
>After battle of Coleto (March 19 - 20, 1836), where a Texas Army under Col. James Walker Fannin met defeat by Mexicans in superior numbers, the Texas soldiers were held in Presidio La Bahia, supposedly as war prisoners. However, by order of . . . — — Map (db m35516) HM
On South Market Street at East Franklin Street, on the right when traveling north on South Market Street.
(South Side of Monument)
Erected
In Memory of
J. W. Fannin
and his Comrades
in Arms
April A.D. 1885
Fannin
(East Side of Monument)
Massacred
March 27, A.D. 1836
(North Side of . . . — — Map (db m132546) HM WM
On South Commercial Street at South Courthouse Square, on the right when traveling south on South Commercial Street.
Distinguished African American scholar and writer, John Mason Brewer, preserved African American culture with his literary and historical work in the 20th century. Born on March 24, 1896, in Goliad, Brewer's parents, J.H. and Minnie T. Brewer, . . . — — Map (db m132545) HM
On South Jefferson Street (U.S. 183) at Auditorium Drive, on the right when traveling south on South Jefferson Street.
Mississippi native and Goliad County Judge James Arthur White (1878-1953) possessed a fervent interest in Texas history, notably that of his adopted city of Goliad. He began in 1928 to organize support for a state park to protect Goliad's many . . . — — Map (db m122045) HM
On Cabrera Road at Barnhill Road, on the right when traveling north on Cabrera Road.
La Bahía Cemetery is located in the community of La Bahía and was established in conjunction with the chapel of Presidio Nuestra Señora Santa María de Loreto de La Bahía. The presidio had been relocated in 1749 to the banks of the San Antonio River . . . — — Map (db m122040) HM
On Calle Cinco de Mayo south of Camino de Bexar, on the right when traveling south.
Born at Presidio La Bahía del Espíritu Santo in 1762, Manuel Becerra played a significant role in the settlement and politics of the region. Becerra and his wife, Juana María Cadena, and their two daughters, María Josefa and Gertrudis, were . . . — — Map (db m36335) HM
On South Market Street at East Franklin Street, on the right when traveling north on South Market Street.
Site was dedicated to public use by City Ordinance No. 28, on Aug. 30, 1853. About 1871, market with 12 x 24-ft. stalls was put up at cost of $550, and rented to sellers of meat and produce.
In 1886 this became firehouse, with a meeting hall . . . — — Map (db m132241) HM
On Park Road 6, 0.1 miles west of U.S. 183, on the right when traveling west.
Originally established near present Matagorda Bay, Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zuñiga was moved to this San Antonio River location in 1749. Here, for more than 70 years, the Franciscan missionaries taught the native Aranama peoples . . . — — Map (db m235186) HM
Near Park Road 6, 0.2 miles west of South Jefferson Street (U.S. 183).
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 . . . — — Map (db m116299) HM
On U.S. 59, 1.9 miles south of Texas Highway 239, on the right when traveling south. Reported missing.
Founded in 1754 for the Cujane Indians. Capt. Manuel Ramirez de la Piszina, commander of nearby Presidio la Bahia, named this mission for his parish church in Spain, and Fray Juan Dios Camberos ministered to the first converts here. The Indians . . . — — Map (db m132016) HM
On U.S. 59, on the right when traveling east. Reported missing.
Missionaries from the college of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Zacatecas founded Nuestra Señora del Rosario in 1754 for the coastal Karankawa tribes. The extensive cattle ranching operation begun by sister mission Espiritu Santo also supported . . . — — Map (db m34287) HM
On U.S. 59, 2 miles west of State Highway 239, on the left when traveling west.
Though today you may only see stone foundations, this was once the site of a lively mission community.
From Glory to Ruins
Ahead of you are the remains of the Spanish Mission Nuestra Señora del Rosario. Established in 1754 to bring . . . — — Map (db m235459) HM
On East Oak Street at North Market Street on East Oak Street.
For many years after emancipation, new church congregations were established throughout the South by and for African Americans. On the third Sunday in June 1884, a meeting was held at the congregational church in Goliad.
Henry Anderson, . . . — — Map (db m192206) HM
On South Courthouse Square at South Market Street, on the right when traveling east on South Courthouse Square.
The Neyland Building was built in 1903 by W.E. Neyland for an implement and hardware store. A contributing building in the National Register of Historic Places of the Goliad Courthouse Square Historic District, it shares architectural features with . . . — — Map (db m235058) HM
On Calle Cinco de Mayo at Camino de Bexar on Calle Cinco de Mayo.
The history of Presidio La Bahía and Goliad can be traced through the flags of the various nations that have controlled this region of South Texas. The frequent change of flags throughout the 18th and 19th centuries reflects the site's turbulent . . . — — Map (db m235078) HM
On West Oak Street at North Clinton Avenue, on the left when traveling east on West Oak Street.
The earliest headstone in this community burial ground marks the grave of Ann Elizabeth Hunter, who died in 1843. A city ordinance designated the site as Oak Hill Cemetery on January 10, 1854. Located in the part of Goliad called "College Hill", the . . . — — Map (db m192202) HM
One of the most historic Spanish forts in Texas. Popularly called Presidio la Bahía, it was founded on Espíritu Santo (present Lavaca) Bay in 1722. Twice moved, it was re-established here in 1749 to protect Espiritu Santo Mission (1/4 mi. NW). In . . . — — Map (db m36230) HM
On Calle Cinco de Mayo at Camino De Bexar, on the right when traveling south on Calle Cinco de Mayo.
The presidio Nuestra Señora de Loreto was originally established near Matagorda Bay (La Bahía del Espíritu Santo) in 1721 to prevent future French landings in the area and to protect the mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga. It was . . . — — Map (db m235084) HM
On Calle Cinco de Mayo at Camino de Bexar, on the left when traveling south on Calle Cinco de Mayo.
First founded on Garcitas Creek, near Espiritu Santo Bay in April 1722 moved to Mission Valley, Victoria County, in 1726 and from there. In 1749, moved to this, it's final location - site of the massacre of Fannin's men Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836. . . . — — Map (db m235082) HM
On South Market Street south of North Courthouse Square, on the right when traveling south.
When the Civil War ended in April 1865, many Texans returned to find their farms and ranches neglected, their cattle running wild and unbranded. The Federal troops sent to occupy Texas in June 1865 could not control the widespread cattle thieving . . . — — Map (db m34214) HM
Displays a replica of banner unfurled Dec. 20, 1835, at signing of Declaration of Independence of Texas from tyranny of Santa Anna's regime in Mexico. That declaration, drafted by staunch early patriots Philip Dimitt and Ira Ingram, and signed by . . . — — Map (db m132434) HM
On North Courthouse Square, on the right when traveling east.
Gen. Vicente Filasola, Second in Command of Mexican armies in Texas War for Independence, fled from area of his nation's defeat at San Jacinto, April 21, 1836. Filasola's aim was to go to Mexico with his army.
After he had passed through Goliad, . . . — — Map (db m34166) HM
Established in 1754
for the Cujane Nation.
Here faithful Franciscan
missionaries attempted to
Christianize and civilize
the Indians of the region
until 1794. — — Map (db m34284) HM
On Park Road 6, 0.2 miles west of South Jefferson Street (U.S. 183), on the right when traveling west.
First established at the site of La Salle's Fort on Garcitas Creek, Victoria County, among the Coco, Cujanes, Karankawa and other Indian tribes in 1722. Moved to Mission Valley, Victoria County, on the Guadalupe River among the Jaranames and . . . — — Map (db m68955) HM
On West Franklin Street at South Chilton Street, on the right when traveling west on West Franklin Street.
Begun as a mission, 1861, by the Very Rev. W. R. Richardson, Dean of St. Mark's, San Antonio. R. P. Wilkinson donated site. Church was built 1882, consecrated in 1885 by the Rt. Rev. R. W. Elliott, first bishop of Western Texas. Elevated to parish . . . — — Map (db m132239) HM
On South Jefferson Street at East Fannin Street, on the right when traveling south on South Jefferson Street.
A significant element in Goliad's architectural history, this house is one of the city's oldest structures. Although the exact date of construction has not been proven, documentary, architectural, and archeological evidence suggest it was built . . . — — Map (db m235059) HM
Stone Quarried Long Ago by Mission Indians and then again in modern times by the Civilian Conservation Corps has given life - and new life again - to Espíritu Santo. The kiln ceased its work generations ago, but it still stands as sentinel to . . . — — Map (db m235215) HM
A native of Georgia, James Walker Fannin came to Texas in 1834. A brief enrollment at the United States Military Academy as a young man convinced his fellow revolutionists that he was qualified to command soldiers in battle. Fannin was unable to . . . — — Map (db m235061) HM
On South Commercial Street at East Franklin Street, on the right when traveling south on South Commercial Street.
The "Goliad Advance-Guard" was created by the merger of two newspapers. The "Guard" began in 1867, when Richard Wayne Davis bought the "Intelligencer" and changed its name. His son, R. T. Davis, published the paper from 1871 until 1892. A young . . . — — Map (db m132548) HM
On North Courthouse Square, on the right when traveling east.
Site for court sessions at various times from 1846 to 1870. Capital sentences called for by the courts were carried out immediately, by means of a rope and a convenient limb.
Hangings not called for by regular courts occurred here during the . . . — — Map (db m34113) HM
On Calle Cinco de Mayo at Lopez Road, on the right when traveling south on Calle Cinco de Mayo.
Citizen - General - Hero
Goliad, Texas - Puebla, Mexico
You are standing at the birth site of a hero: Ignacio Zaragoza. Born on March 24, 1829, to a Mexican military family posted to the Presidio la Bahía, Zaragoza followed in his father's . . . — — Map (db m235190) HM
On North Church Street, 0.2 miles south of West Ward Street, on the right when traveling north.
The first Mexican American to attend and graduate from Goliad High School was William Rubio Carbajal. The effort to get him admitted to the high school and receive the same education as Anglo Americans was an important struggle for Mexican Americans . . . — — Map (db m192203) HM
On Loop 71 at U.S. 183, on the left when traveling east on Loop 71.
In the Spanish colonization system, houses built outside the presidio fort walls by civilians and soldiers' families were intended to become a center of settlement. A diverse population - Spanish, Indian, African and European - flourished around the . . . — — Map (db m235136) HM
