Remember Goliad!

Instead of heading straight home from our vacation, we decided to do a little site seeing. Zane had left early that morning with my little brother and his wife Clayton and Kara to take them to the airport and to go to work. Other members of my family had left the night before because of work, so our little site seeing trip was just my parents, Haley's family, and mine.


We have been to the Alamo many times and San Jacinto, so it was only fitting that we visit Presidio La Bahia in Goliad. In the final battle of the Texas Revolution, the battle cry at San Jacinto was "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!" In August 1835, the Texans had taken Presidio La Bahia in a small skirmish. Later in March 1836, Fannin's man were attacked by the Mexican army in the field near the Presidio. (The Battle of the Alamo ended at the beginning of March in 1836). The Texans were outnumbered and defeat was imminent. Colonel Fannin and his men surrendered thinking they would be held prisoner then released to the United States. Santa Anna had different plans and 303 Texans were marched out and shot point blank. The survivors of the execution were knifed and clubbed to death. 39 more men were killed in the fort. Colonel Fannin was the last to die after watching all his men executed. The bodies were burned and left in the open for vultures and coyotes to get.

We also learned about the Angel of Goliad, Francita Alavez, who spoke up for prisoners for more humane treatment and help save 20 prisoners. I love learning about brave women who risk their own life in the name of humanity and freedom. There is a statue of Fancita Alavez to honor her. I failed to take of it though.

I'm glad we stopped by and learned more about our Texas history despite the heat!