We ventured a quarter of a mile down the road today to Presidio La Bahia which was fully restored in 1963.
The presidio was built on this location by Spaniards in 1749 to guard the coastal plains. The community of La Bahia grew around the fort. In fact, the soldiers stationed at La Bahia assisted the Spanish in fighting the British along the Gulf Coast during the American Revolution. This action gives the presidio and the community of La Bahia the distinction of being one of the only communities west of the Mississppi to have participated in the American Revolution.
The Presidio was taken over by James Fannin who later left with his troops only to be intercepted at the Battle of Coleto Creek and returned as prisoners by the Mexican army. The Texian prisoners were placed in the small church and then later allowed to go inside the quadrangle with heavy guard. On Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836, Colonel Fannin's men were divided into three groups and marched in three different directions out of the fort. Each group was told something different as to their purpose for leaving. They had little suspicion regarding their fate. After walking out a ways from the fort, each group was stopped, the Mexican forces raised their rifles, shooting the Texian forces. http://www.presidiolabahia.org/massacre.htm
The wounded prisoners, including Fannin were shot inside the walls. A total of 342 men were killed at Goliad. When soldiers returned to Goliad in June, the Goliad soldiers were buried at this site where in 1936 a granite monument was placed.
It's a beautiful and solemn place allowing one to reflect on all the history that has taken place in this area.
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