These photographs are of Presidio La Bahia in Goliad, Texas. Established in 1721, it is considered the world's finest example of a Spanish frontier fort. During the American Revolution, the soldiers from Presidio La Bahia helped the Spanish in fighting the British along the Gulf Coast, making Goliad one of the only communities in the west to actively participate in the war of independence.

The soldiers of the Presido also played an important role in starting the cattle industry in America by overseeing the huge herds of the nearby mission Espiritu Santo(see the "Moods of a Mission" gallery). The "Goliad Massacre," perhaps the darkest day in Texas history, occurred here in 1836, when Col. James Fannin, and 341 of his men, were executed after their capture. This after they had been promised that their lives would be spared if they surrendered. There was twice as much loss of life at Goliad as there was at the Battle of the Alamo. Both "take no prisoners" massacres gave rise to the battle cry at the decisive, 17-minute Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas won it's independence from Mexico…

..."Remember the Alamo, remember Goliad."


For larger view, click on image.