Goliad, TX

Texas ranching had its start here as Goliad’s Mission Espiritu Santo served as Texas’ first cattle station. The City of Goliad was established in 1749, making it the third oldest municipality in Texas. (circa 1894). The Cart War Oak (or,Hanging Tree) still stands on the north lawn of the courthouse and saw both court-approved and unauthorized executions.

“Remember the Alamo, Remember Goliad!”

The Mission Espiritu Santo and Presidio la Bahia comprise the only Spanish Colonial mission-fort complex in existence in the Western Hemisphere. The birthplace of General Ignacio Zaragoza is here, as are the burial grounds of Colonel James Fannin and his men. The Mission Espiritu Santo, circa 1749, served the native Indian tribes for 110 years, longer than any Spanish colonial mission in the state. Rebuilt in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp, the Park offers an historical museum, over 300 acres of campsites, RV sites and picnic areas – 361-645-3405 The Presidio La Bahia, a colonial Spanish Fort was the site of the first action against Mexico in the Texas Revolution. Our Lady of Loreto Chapel was the location of the signing of the first Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico, December 20, 1835. Living history reenactments of the Battle of Coleto are scheduled annually on the grounds of the Presidio, the weekend closest to March 27 every year.


Fresh water recreation is available at Coleto Creek Park & Reservoir, a beautiful 3100 acre lake (361-575-6366). www.goliadcc.org • This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fairs & Celebrations!
• Goliad Market Days–2nd Saturday of each month—brings over 200 vendors and thousands of shoppers to Goliad’s historic courthouse square. – 361-645-3563

• Goliad County Fair & Rodeo–3rd Saturday March–a PRCAsanctioned event, with rodeo, music and parade. Call 361-645-8204 for more info.

• Living History Reenactment of the Battle of Coleto Creek – Weekend Closest to March 27. – 361-645-3752

• Missions Tour de Goliad Bicycle Ride–3rd Saturday in October – 361-645-3563

• Christmas in Goliad–1st Friday and Saturday in December— 361-645-8767.

For more fairs and events information contact the Goliad County Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-848-8674 or visit our website at www.goliadcc.org. Remember Goliad!