Goliad

After the republic Goliad remade itself as a school and market town. A post office opened in 1847, and the Methodists' Paine Female Institute of 1852 took in boys from 1873 and grew into Goliad College. The railroad arrived in 1885-86 and the population reached 2,500 by 1890; a new courthouse followed in 1894. The decline of cotton cost the town people, the 1902 tornado and a 1942 storm battered it, and La Bahia Downs drew horse-racing crowds from 1961. The downtown square went on the National Register in 1976.

What the plaque says

Goliad One of the three first Texas municipalities. Old Aranama Indian village called Santa Dorotea by the Spanish. Presidio La Bahia and Mission Espiritu de Zuniga established 1749. Here early events leading to the Texas Revolution were expeditions of Magee-Gutierrez, 1812; Henry Perry, 1817; James Long, 1821 Name changed Feb. 4, 1829, from La Bahia (the Bay) to Goliad. Honoring (in anagram) Mexican patriot (H)idalgo. Capt. George Collingsworth, Ben Milam and 48 men took Mexican garrison Oct. 8, 1835. Goliad Declaration of Independence signed Dec. 20, 1835, and Goliad flag unfurled. Defender Capt. Philip Dimmit succeeded by Col. James Walker Fannin, Feb. 7, 1836. On order of Gen. Sam Houston to evacuate Goliad, Fannin on Mar. 19, moved toward Victoria. Overtaken 9 miles out by a large Mexican army, Fannin and his men battled until night, surrendered next morning. From La Bahia Prison they were marched out, massacred and partially cremated on Palm Sunday, Mar. 27, 1836. After Texas won independence, Gen. Thomas Rusk's army gave them military rites and burial, June 1836. Goliad County Seat since 1836. Incorporated 1840 and built on present site. Received 4 leagues of land in grant signed by President Sam Houston, 1844. (1965)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• J. W. Fannin — steps away
• Santa Anna's Surrender Ratified — steps away
• The Hanging Tree — steps away
• Regulators of Goliad County — steps away