Presido La Bahia Goliad Texas

This Fort was founded in 1721.  Yet some say it was built by the Spanish in 1749 to protect the Spanish missions that had been built in south Texas.  It has been said to have bee occupied by Spain, Mexico the US and the Republic of Texas.  

It is said that the fort started as several wooden buildings and some grass huts.  Permanent stone structures were built as the location became more of a community.  A defensive wall was built with limestone bastions for cannons, officers quarters, workshops, arsenals and the chapel were added.

In 1812, Bernardo Gutierrez and August Magee took the fort from the Spanish and held it for a few years, until the Spanish took it back, until 1817.  In 1817 Lieutenant Henry Perry tried to take the fort again and fought until hey were beaten back when Spanish re-enforcements arrived.  In 1821 54 Civilians led by James Long captured the Fort Temporarily. 

In the TEXAS REVOLUTION, Texan forces took Fort Goliad from the Mexican's in 1835.  In the Winter of that year Colonel Fannin heard of Mexican forces heading his way and retreated but they were caught, 300-400 men, and taken back to the Chapel.  They were held prisoner for a week and then Santa Anna ordered them all Executed on March 27, 1836.   After the Execution of all those Texan's the fort was abandoned.