Goliad Texas

Nestled in the San Antonio River Valley amongst magnificent old growth oaks, Goliad is a place of  nature, history and heritage. Texas ranching had its start here as Goliad’s Mission Espiritu Santo served as Texas’ first cattle station supplying its own needs and those of Spanish colonial settlements as far away as Louisiana.

The City of Goliad was established in 1749, making it the third oldest municipality in Texas. Its  charming Courthouse Square—with pharmacy, restaurants, antique and gift shops, custom mesquite furniture store and private residences dating back to the 1800’s—is entered in the National Register of
Historic Places. Visitors are invited to rock in the many rocking chairs located around the square, take the downtown walking tour and tour the fully-restored Goliad County Courthouse (circa 1894). Historic markers shaded by ancient oaks on the courthouse lawn tell the stories of Goliad’s beginnings. The Cart War Oak (or, Hanging Tree) still stands on the north lawn of the courthouse and saw both court-approved and unauthorized executions. The Market House Museum is rich with relics and memorabilia of Goliad’s earlier days.

People with children will enjoy visiting the Fannin Plaza Park and the community-built Fort Fun  Children’s Park just one block from the Square, where picnics are encouraged!

“Remember the Alamo, Remember Goliad!”
Just a short drive from downtown Goliad are some of Texas’ most pivotal landmarks, The Mission Espiritu Santo and Presidio la Bahia. Today they 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 of the Aranama, Tamique and other Indian allies for 110 years, longer than any Spanish colonial mission in the state. It
is the flagship of the Goliad State Historical Park, operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife. 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 in the lush South Texas native landscape. Late spring brings enormous landscapes of wildflowers and year round large migrating bird populations. The park offers informative and fun interpretive programs for children and adults alike. (361-645-3405).

The Presidio La Bahia, a colonial Spanish Fort and now a National Historic Landmark, served to protect the Texas coast from invasions and was the site of the first action against Mexico in the Texas Revolution. Our Lady of Loreto Chapel is 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.

Visitors can reserve the Quarters for an overnight stay—the only Spanish Fort guest accommodations available in the US! The Presidio La Bahia is open daily. (361-645-3752), www.presidiolabahia.org.

The Zaragoza House Museum is adjacent to the Presidio and honors the birth of General Ignacio Zaragoza, a military hero who led a peasant army to victory over the professional army of France. A statue honoring General Zaragoza overlooks the museum to the south.

Natural Experiences Abound
Goliad County is located on the Great Texas Birding Trail and boasts several rarely seen species of bird and wildlife. See bald eagle, roseate spoonbill, thrasher, kingfisher, heron and more from all areas of the county. Fresh water recreation, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking is available at Coleto Creek Park & Reservoir, a beautiful 3100 acre lake considered one of Texas’ top ranked bass lakes. The Park features 58 RV sites, pull-thru’s, camping, cabins and trailer rentals, and is abundant with birds (bald eagle’s nest here!) and other wildlife. (361-575-6366).

Hike and bike year-round on the Angel of Goliad Trail.
Experience history and nature all at once by trekking this nature trail which follows the San Antonio River and serves to connect downtown Goliad with the Goliad State Park, Presidio La Bahia and Fannin
Memorial Monument.

Golf Goliad! With 9 holes over 3,163 yards and a par 36, plus swimming pool and bar, the Goliad Golf Club is open to the public every day but Thanksgiving and Christmas. (361-645-8322).

Canoe or kayak the San Antonio River as it winds its way through Goliad County.
An annual Fall Flotilla takes place the first Saturday of November every year and all are invited!  Sponsored by Canoe Trail Goliad. For more information visit www.canoetrailgoliad.com.

Fairs & Celebrations!

• Goliad Market Days - 2nd Saturday of each month—brings over 200 vendors and thousands of  shoppers to Goliad’s historic courthouse square the second Saturday of every month. Come sample everything from food to antiques. You won’t find a better outdoor market anywhere!

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

• Living History Reenactment of the Battle of Coleto Creek Weekend Closest to March 27. Witness first-hand one of Texas’ most significant battles fought between Col. James Walker Fannin and Gen. Santa Anna as soldiers in period costume re-create this event. Tour the Presido la Bahia and Our Lady of Loreto Chapel, a National Historic Landmark. Call 361-645-3752

• Missions Tour de Goliad Bicycle Ride - 3rd Saturday in October - Celebrates Goliad’s rich history and natural beauty in an annual bike ride through the country’s gently rolling hills of scenic farm and ranch country—10, 30, 50 and 85 mile routes are offered. Now in its 20th year, the Missions Tour is getting high marks for its organization and friendly 4-H run SAG stops complete with homemade cookies!

• Christmas in Goliad - 1st Friday and Saturday in December— 27 years ago the Goliad County  Historical Commission created its Christmas parade of lights including children on lighted bicycles and Santa on a longhorn “reinsteer” with juried artists, food and festivities around the courthouse square  Today it is as charming and special as ever, with all the warmth and joy a holiday festival can offer.

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!