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Goliad, Texas

Goliad is one of Texas' oldest municipalities. The area was inhabited long before recorded history. Early Spanish explorers list an Aranama Indian village at the site, then called Santa Dorotea. In 1749 Spain established a mission and a nearby presidio (fort) for protection. "Remember Goliad" became a Texas Revolution battle cry honoring Colonel James W. Fannin Jr. and his men who were massacred at Goliad. Memorial services at the grave of Colonel Fannin and his troops are held on the weekend nearest March 27th. Goliad celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1999.

Goliad was named a Main Street City in 1984 and has been a National Main Street City since 1999.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Visitor Center

Goliad, TX Visitors Centers

Fannin Plaza

City park at S. Market and Franklin Sts. Includes Texas Revolution cannon, memorial shaft and several historical markers. Nearby is hanging tree on courthouse lawn, and Market House Museum. Newly built children's park, "Fort Fun,"

Goliad, TX Plazas

Presidio La Bahia

As conquistadors of centuries ago explored new lands for "God, Gold and Glory," the Church played an integral part in colonization and dominion over vast New World empires. Missions were often first permanent Spanish settlement in new areas. To protect mission endeavors, a presidio (fort)

Goliad, TX History

Market House Museum

Quaint structure with cupola on the courthouse square. First public use on Aug. 30, 1853; in 1886, building became a firehouse with meeting hall. Local volunteer fire department used the building until 1964 and restored for use as museum in 1967

Goliad, TX Museums

Grave of Col. James W. Fannin Jr. and Men

Monument marks grave of Colonel Fannin and 342 men who had surrendered to Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution, and were massacred at the order of General Santa Anna on Palm Sunday morning, March 27, 1836. Two miles south of Goliad off U.S. 183, a few hundred yards from Presidio La Bahia.

Goliad, TX Monuments

Things to do near Goliad, TX

Choke Canyon State Park

Park features fishing and boating on 26,000-acre Choke Canyon Reservoir, an impoundment of the Frio River. Camping, rest room...

San Agustín Cathedral

Originally built in 1767; present structure, third on site, dates from 1872. Was elevated to the rank of Cathedral on Aug. 9,...

Lackland Air Force Base

History and Traditions Museum is free to the public. Collections include aircraft equipment dating from World War I to curren...

Frontera Audubon

A 12-acre nature preserve featuring mature native woodlands, trails, wetlands and butterfly gardens. Target birds include Gro...

Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center

Away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area on the campus of Laredo Community College, this oasis offers a learning ...