Of course, everyone knows “Remember the Alamo!” But, what’s this “Remember Goliad”?
Presidio La Bahia played a major role in the early days of the Texas Revolution.
Presidio La Bahia and Our Lady of Loreto
In 1836 Colonel James Walker Fannin took command of Presidio La Bahia. At the Battle of Coleto Creek, the Mexican army defeated Fannin and his army of 400 men. The men were held captive for a week at La Bahia. On the order of General Santa Anna, they were taken to Goliad and shot; Fannin was shot last. The Goliad Massacre inflamed the Texas cause and at the Battle of San Jacinto, the battle cry was, Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!
This short video shows the perimeter of La Bahia.
General Ignacio Zaragoza’s Birthplace – Cinco de Mayo
If you’ve ever wondered why we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, it’s because of the military skills of General Ignacio Zaragoza. He was born in 1829 near Presidio La Bahia. His great military accomplishment was the defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The French armies were considered the best military forces of the time. Yet, General Zaragoza was able to win victory. His statue, donated by the people of Puebla, stands at the entrance to Presidio La Bahia.
Fannin Memorial Monument:
Burial site of Colonel Fannin and his men.
La Bahia Cemetery
On the east side of Persidio La Bahia, is the monument to Colonel James Fannin and 400 of his men. Col. Fannin’s army was captured at the Battle of Coleto Creek. The prisoners were brought back to Presidio La Bahia and held at the fort for a week. General Santa Anna gave the order to execute them. They were taken to Goliad and shot on Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836. This act inflamed Texans and at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto, the cry was “Remember Golidad! Remember the Alamo!”
Downtown Goliad
Goliad Courthouse and Hanging Tree:
Goliad County Courthouse
The Hanging Tree (Cart War Oak)
Founded in 1749, Goliad has approximately 2,000 residents and is one of the oldest municipalities in Texas. The courthouse has that 1800’s charm, especially with the Hanging Tree (Cart War Oak) that stands on the north lawn. The Hanging Tree was the scene of both court-approved and unauthorized executions.
The area thrives on ranching, agriculture and tourism to this historic Texas site.
Blue Quail Deli – Great Place for Lunch
Inside the Blue Quail Deli
After exploring the beautiful Goliad courthouse, we enjoyed lunch at the Blue Quail Deli. The special was a muffuletta sandwich on homemade bread. I indulged in the Deli’s famous Cream of Jalapeno Soup, then topped it off with Apple Cobbler. I was maximum full!
Jimmie Dale Rader (left) and Georgia Lee Swickheimer (right). The best part of Goliad are the people!
Two local Goliad residents, Georgia Lee Swickheimer and Jimmie Dale Rader, were enjoying lunch at the adjacent table. I asked them, “What is your favorite thing about Goliad?” Georgia Lee thought for a moment and said, “The people. We’re all like one big family here.” That’s nice to know that an entire community is there for support and friendship.
Patti McCraney and her assistant were helpful in guiding visitors in making the best selections on the menu. I only regret that I didn’t buy a loaf of the homemade bread to take home. But, I can always make another trip to Goliad, but next time, I want to try the peach cobbler!
Patti McCraney and one of her friendly assistants
