Summer Vacation 2025: Texas: Presidio la Bahía

After spending a few gorgeous days on the Gulf, we headed back north to my mom's house. She suggested a stop in Goliad, TX, and since I hadn't been there in many years, I was more than down for a visit. After all, I am a history buff, so this is how we ended up at Presidio la Bahia, literally Fort of the Bay. 

Constructed by the Spanish Army, the fort has stood at this site since 1747, and the town of Goliad came into existence as it grew up around the fort. During the Texas Revolution - when the locals rose up to free themselves from the Mexican government - two significant events took place here: The Battle of Goliad and the Goliad Massacre.

Outside the Fort is a display of nine flags. These flags represent the six nations and three revolutionary forces that once controlled or occupied this area of Texas.

Inside the Fort are signs that show the tenacity of the local people who wished nothing more than their autonomy.

The whole fort is a time capsule. Stepping inside felt like being transported back three hundred years. This is the main entrance and lobby, but it was once barracks.

Like most forts, there's a large yard within its walls. I've always known these to be called parade grounds, where daily life and military routines took place.

Parts of the wall are buildings, of course, that serve different purposes. This is one of the doors that lead from one of these buildings to the parade grounds. It's more ornate than the others I've seen.

This is an interesting keyhole. I would like to see the skeleton key that fits this.

While the Nine Flags Over Goliad are displayed outside, the only one inside the interior of the fort is the First Independence Flag (the Bloody Arm).

In each corner of the fort are bastions. These defensive structures allowed watchers to see for miles and therefore alert the fort of any outside threats coming their way.

Here was my view from this bastion looking towards the main building and church of the Fort.

Here's an old plan of the Fort:

A fortified gate with barracks on the side.

Inside those barracks.

A shot of the outside of the barracks.

Across the way is the Fort's church: Our Lady of Loreto Chapel. This Catholic church is still active today.

A view of the front of the chapel.

A view down the main altar.

A side chapel that looks like a place for baptisms.

This is where Confession would take place.

Directly across from La Bahia is a small museum that talks about the Battle of Goliad and the Goliad Massacre. My son and I walked through the building to check it out, and I was especially interested in what Mexico looked like during that time. La Bahia is marked.

I hope you enjoyed this snapshot of the Presidio in Goliad, TX. We went to another place in Goliad on this day, but that deserves its own post. I will try to get that done soon. 

Until next time, friends.