Dozens of forts are found across Texas. And whether you come from a long line of Texans or are a transplant, many find the historic Texas forts interesting and worth visiting.  Presidio La Bahia, located about 91 miles from San Antonio in Goliad, is home to the famous Goliad Massacre and the “Angel of Goliad”.

Discovering Presidio La Bahia

Presidio La Bahia was both a fort and a mission. It is a designated National Historic Landmark that offers rich Texas history for all ages. In addition to the officers’ quarters, you will find “Our Lady of Loreto” chapel. It is the oldest building in the compound and has been in use since the 1700s. It is one of the oldest churches in the U.S. still holding worship services today.

As you approach the chapel, you see the beautiful saint-like statue of Our Lady of Loreto located in the niche above the chapel entrance. This statue was sculpted by Lincoln Borglum, who is famous for helping his father sculpt Mount Rushmore. 

Inside the chapel is a colorful mural of the Virgin Mary receiving the message from the Angel Gabriel that she is to become the mother of Jesus. In the courtyard is the bronze lifelike statue of the Angel of Goliad, who, with her husband, saved the lives of a few Texan soldiers during the Goliad Massacre. 

The History of Presidio La Bahia

In 1749, a Spanish mission and presidio sprang up at present-day Goliad, Texas. The mission/presidio, known as La Bahia in the early 1800s, was renamed Goliad in 1829. Presidio La Bahia and the Alamo are significant battle sites in the Texas Revolution.

In 1835, following the Battle of Gonzales, Texians captured and occupied the presidio at Goliad. In the spring of 1836, as the battle for Texas Independence got underway, the Texas soldiers suffered a terrible defeat at the Alamo. The Mexican army then left the Alamo and began marching east. Sam Houston ordered Colonel James W. Fannin and his volunteer men to evacuate their post at Goliad. Unfortunately they were captured and returned to the presidio as prisoners. Records show that these prisoners, Colonel Fannin and his 300-plus men, were massacred by the Mexican army on March 27, 1836, in what became known as the Goliad Massacre.

This defeat led to the now-famous rallying cry shouted by the Texian soldiers at the Battle of San Jacinto,  “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad”! General Sam Houston’s army was victorious in this final battle for Texas independence on April 21, 1836. 

Plan Your Visit to Presidio La Bahia

An exciting adventure awaits you, so make plans to visit Presidio La Bahia. You can even spend the night at the fort!  The Quarters at Presidio La Bahia contain a small apartment with two bedrooms which guests can rent. You will sleep surrounded by the history of this fortress.

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Cover Photo Robin Alaniz

Minnie Payne grew up in South Carolina but because of her husband’s government job, lived in many different U.S. cities. Having lived in Texas 38 years, she claims it as home and appreciates the many opportunities and advantages that the Lone Star State provides.