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History in a Pecan Shell
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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Goliad is declared a National Historic District.
The attractions are many in Goliad and you can easily spend the entire
day. The chamber of commerce is located in the former Frels Theater
on the south side of the town square (large building - small sign).
They can supply you with a complete driving/ walking tour of the town.
The
Goliad County Courthouse >
Fannin Plaza
Park
One block NE of the town square - obelisk, with a cannon used by
Fannin's forces. Dedicated for the 50th Anniversary of the Goliad
Massacre. See:
A
Survivor's Account of the Goliad Massacre
Life and Times of a Goliad Surviver
A
Soldier's Story
Goliad
Town Square
Walking Tour: The chamber of commerce has a walking tour
with some information on the collection of buildings downtown.
Buildings downtown include a handsome Bank, a former hotel, a Masonic
Lodge and the Lott Building - a very thin building sandwiched between
the buildings of the Cole Block.
The
Tree in the Street Sorority
Besides being
declared a National Historic District, Goliad is also a member of
The Tree in the Street Sorority - a loose group of cities whose
citizens acknowledge that the trees were there before the settlers.
Goliad Memorial
Auditorium:
A Centennial Building from 1936. Rather plain - as was the
style then - but interesting details and ornamentation. This is
the site of the Goliad County Fair
Market
House Museum:
c. 1853 On the corner of Franklin and Market Streets
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L
- Street scene in Goliad Square
R - The former Frels Theater on the south side of the town square
is now the Goliad Chamber of Commerce
TE photos, 2001 |
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L
- Masonic Lodge
Center - Another building on the square
R - Lott Building - a very thin building
TE photos, 2001 |
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- The trees have the right of way in Goliad
Center - Memorial Auditorium architectural detail
R - Architectural detail above a doorway
TE photos, 2001 |
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A
church in Goliad
Photo by John Troesser |
Nearby Destinations
Fannin, Refugio,
Cuero,
Victoria
and Beeville.
Goliad
Local and Tourist Information
Goliad
Chamber of Commerce -
131 Courthouse Square in the former Frels Theater
Hours - 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday. 361-645-3563.
website: http://www.goliadcc.org/
Goliad
County Economic Development/Main Street.
361-645-3540
website: www.goliad.org
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