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The
site of Goliad was inhabited by Indians prior to the Spanish establishing
a mission and fort in 1749. The Mission was Mission Nuestra
Senora del Espiratu Santo de Zuniga. The fort was originally Presidio
Nuestra Senora de Loreto de La Bahia.
Both the mission and fort had originally been established in 1722
on what is presently Lavaca Bay, hence the designation "La Bahia"
- Spanish for bay.
An earlier mission (Mission Nuestra Senora del Rosario) just west
of town was founded in 1754 with the purpose of converting
the Indians. The mission was quite successful in breeding cattle,
but was abandoned in 1807. There's a marker on the former site
four miles west on highway 59.
The mission (La Bahia) is considered to be the first large cattle
ranch in Texas since it was successful in raising an estimated
herd of 40,000. Goliad was set up as a Mexican municipality in 1829.
The town of Goliad moved across the river to the present location
in 1836 when the county was organized and it was made the county
seat of government.
Later in its history, Goliad County was the scene of the "Cart
Wars" - an ugly series of incidents in Texas history which was
brought to a close by a legislative ruling and the employment of the
large Live Oak on the courthouse lawn. Details on the "wars" and the
Hanging
Tree can be read by clicking here. |
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L
- View of the Grave of Fannin and his men
R - Presidio La Bahia
TE photos |
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L
- The mass grave just east of the Presido
R - A small canon near the grave site
TE photos |
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L
- Cannon used by Fannin and his men
R - The base of the monument
TE photo |
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The
Fannin Monument in Fannin Square
TE photo |
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