Located about one mile south of Goliad, the Presidio took center stage in the Texas Revolution when it was captured from Mexico in October 1835. While under control of Texian rebels, it was briefly renamed Fort Defiance, and its Our Lady of Loreto Chapel became the setting for the signing of the first Texas Declaration of Independence. The flag of Goliad was flown by the Texians, the sixth of nine flags to fly over the fort throughout its history.

The Presidio's infamy began after the fall of the Alamo (March 6, 1836), when Gen. Sam Houston ordered Col. James Fannin to abandon the fort and retreat to Victoria. Fannin's troops were surrounded by the Mexican Army on March 19, about nine miles east of Goliad at the present-day site of the THC's Fannin Battleground State Historic Site. A two-day skirmish known as the Battle of Coleto Creek resulted in the surrender of Fannin and his troops, who were held at the Presidio for a week before Mexican Gen. Santa Anna ordered their deaths. The execution of 342 men, including Fannin, occurred outside the Presidio walls on Palm Sunday, March 27. Known as the Goliad Massacre, the event would contribute to the famous Texian battle cry "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!" heard during the smashing of Mexican forces at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto on April 21.

During this anniversary year, the Presidio hopes to increase visitation and awareness of the fort's prominent role in the Texas Revolution with a unique educational program for students. From March through May, fourth- and seventh-grade social studies students throughout Texas are eligible to visit for free. Up to 10,000 students will be able to participate thanks to a grant from the Mary Hobbs Griffith Foundation that also provides some funds for transportation costs. Reservations must be made in advance.

Nine flags have flown over Presidio la Bah�a since its origins in 1721 (photo by Randolph W. Baker)

Heritage tourists can enjoy an authentic experience at the Presidio, with lodging, an active church, relatively few other guests, a recent renovation of the complex, and the nearby Fannin Memorial Monument, where the remains of Fannin and his men are buried. The chance to stay the night in what were formerly the officers' quarters (now said to be haunted) or to attend mass at the chapel are just two of the unique ways visitors can take part in the historic triumphs and tragedy of the revolutionary era.

Last year, the THC awarded to the Presidio and its owner, the Catholic Diocese of Victoria, a Historic Lands Plaque, which recognizes landowners who preserve important archeological sites on private property. A much different recognition was given by the Travel Channel, which featured the Presidio in October as part of the "America's Most Terrifying Places" series.

This March, the Battle of Coleto Creek and the Goliad Massacre will be reenacted at the Presidio as part of the annual living history event. The two-day event on March 26-27 takes on special significance this year as the Sunday reenactment falls on the exact date of the massacre 175 years ago. Visitors are encouraged to learn about life as a 19th-century revolutionary soldier by approaching reenactors and asking questions, offering a hands-on approach to Texas history.