Goliad State Park in Texas

Sturdy oaks and stone mission buildings nestled in a bend of the San Antonio River echo a rich history from their tranquil setting in Goliad State Historical Park. The 184 acre park, a major landmark in Texas history, is home to several historic sites including Mission Espiritu Santo, Presidio La Bahia, the ruins of Mission Rosario, the Fannin Battleground, and Zaragoza Birthplace.

Spanish missionaries found the area near Goliad Texas to be an ideal place to establish their mission. The river provided water, plentiful limestone was available for building, and vast prairie grasslands were perfect for raising cattle. Built in 1749, Mission Espiritu Santo endured until 1886 when a hurricane destroyed most of the buildings. They sat in ruins until the Civilian Conservation Corps reconstructed the stone buildings during Depression years.

Presidio La Bahia is the fort built to protect the mission and later became the place where Colonel James Fannin and his men were held before their execution by the Mexican army. It has been owned by the Catholic Church since 1853 and mass is still held every Sunday at the Presidio chapel.

Among the sites visitors see today are the fort, the chapel, the granary and a museum which displays tools and artifacts revealing much about the daily life of the missionaries and the Native American converts of that day. Many of the exhibits are tailored toward the interests of children. A sign gives kids permission to ring the church bell.

Nearby is the mass grave of Colonel James Fannin, Jr and his men along with a small cannon they used during combat in the war for Texas independence. Upon surrender to Mexican forces in 1836, the men were put to death by order of General Santa Ana. Outraged Texans embraced the battle cry, "Remember Goliad!"

The restored birthplace of Ignacio Zaragoza reminds visitors of the Mexican General who defeated Maximillian's forces at the Battle of Puebla. Because the date was the fifth of May, this occasion led to the celebration called Cinco de Mayo.

Today the park offers river paddling, a picnicking area plus 1.5 miles of hiking trails, birding areas, and another 2.5 mile hike/bike trail that extends to downtown Goliad. Popular with campers, the park is also equipped with RV sites, tent sites, and screened shelters. Summer adventures for children include fun programs designed to teach skills that will give them an awareness of the natural world.

Goliad State Historical State Park can be reached by driving 1/4 mile south of Goliad on US Highway 183.