Shopping and historical sites abound

First Texas freedom document signed in Goliad

By Mike Bratten/Caller-Times

Located about 65 miles north of Corpus Christi, Goliad is a town where visitors can enjoy shopping and revel in Texas history.

Goliad State Park is a 188-acre tract on the San Antonio River and the site of several notable structures. The first Declaration of Texas Independence was signed in 1835 at Presidio La Bahia, a Spanish fort about 1.5 miles south of Goliad. The frontier fort is listed as a National Historic Monument.

On Palm Sunday 1836, Col. James Fannin and 341 of his men were massacred at the Presidio during the Texas War for Independence — far outnumbering the Texans killed at the Alamo.

Holiday events scheduled every year at the Presidio include a Pony Express ride to San Antonio, presentation of the La Bahia awards by the Sons of the Republic of Texas and the lighting of luminarias.

Near the Presidio is the birthplace of Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza, the man who led Mexico to victory over France in the famous battle on May 5, 1862. Zaragoza’s legacy is celebrated annually with Cinco de Mayo events in Goliad.

Also in Goliad State Park is a refurbished replica of Mission Nuestra Senora del Espiritu Santo de Zuniga, reconstructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The mission was originally established in 1722 near Matagorda Bay and moved to its present site in 1749.

Goliad’s Market Days is a lively arts and crafts fair, farmers market and community festival that is held on the second Saturday of each month from March through December. Shoppers can browse through offerings at more than 170 booths in the quaint town square.

Information: Goliad County Chamber of Commerce, (361) 645-3563.