What was Presidio La Bahia used for?

During the Texas Revolution, the presidio was the site of the Battle of Goliad in October 1835, and the Goliad Massacre in March 1836. It was restored in the 1960s and became a National Historic Landmark in 1967.

Where does the name La Bahía come from and what does it mean?

Various sites on the Gulf Coast were so designated. The Spanish came to use the name as a short form of La Bahía del Espíritu Santo, or Bay of the Holy Spirit, now called Matagorda Bay and Lavaca Bay, bounded by present Calhoun, Victoria, Jackson, and Matagorda counties.

Who was the leader at La Bahía?

Fannin
Fannin became the leader of the troops at the Presidio La Bahia, and renamed it Fort Defiance. In 1836, Mexican president Santa Anna led a large force of Mexican troops to crush the revolution, and initiated the Battle of the Alamo. Colonel Fannin began mobilizing troops to support the Texans at the Alamo.

What is the name of the mission in Goliad Texas?

Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu

Who built the La Bahía?

The Spanish originally began populating “La Bahía” as early as the 1670s, in response to a sudden French interest in the area. Captain Domingo Ramon, of the Aguayo expedition, founded the first presidio in 1672 near the Matagorda Bay in order to prevent further colonization attempts by the French.

Can you stay at Presidio La Bahia?

When you go A night in the Quarters at Presidio La Bahia is about $200 plus tax. The space sleeps up to four. It has a full kitchen, but bring food — none is sold on-site. Reservations: 361-645-3752.

What is the siege of La Bahía?

During the Gutierrez-Magee occupation (First Republic of Texas) in 1812 – 1813, the longest siege in Texas military history was fought here at Presidio La Bahia. Jose Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara was a revolutionary leader of the Republican uprising in Mexico.

Was La Bahía a mission or presidio?

Presidio de la Bahia, a National Historic Landmark, followed Mission Espiritu Santo when it moved to its current location in 1749. The presidio became important during Mexican Independence and the Texas Revolution, and it is located nearby the mission. Photo by Ernest Mettendorf. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Who built La Bahía?

What is Goliad Texas known for?

Goliad (/ˈɡoʊliæd/ GOH-lee-ad) is a city in Goliad County, Texas, United States. It is known for the 1836 Goliad massacre during the Texas Revolution. It had a population of 1,620 at the 2020 census. Founded on the San Antonio River, it is the county seat of Goliad County.

Who built La Bahia?

Where is the La Bahia mission?

Founded as part of that colonial venture, Mission Nuestra Señora de la Bahía del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga, often called Mission Espíritu Santo, was established by Franciscan priests in 1722 and was moved three times. Its final and current location is near Goliad, Texas.

What is the significance of Mission La Bahia?

Mission La Bahia moved in 1749 to its present site in Goliad, Texas on the San Antonio River. The mission and its fortress, Presidio La Bahia, were strategically located on opposite banks of the river to protect the Camino La Bahia, a major Spanish trade route to the north and east.

What is the history of La Bahia?

The Presidio Nuestra Señora de Loreto de la Bahía, better known as the Presidio La Bahía, is a Spanish fort built in present-day Goliad, Texas in 1749.

Where is the Presidio de la Bahía in Texas?

Presidio de la Bahía, Goliad, Texas. The Presidio Nuestra Señora de Loreto de la Bahía is a National Historic Landmark located one mile south of Goliad State Historical Park on U.S. 183 one mile south of Goliad, Texas on U.S. Highway 183 (77A). Compiled and edited by Kathy Weiser, December, 2016.

Why was the Presidio La Bahia built?

The fort constructed there in 1722 became Presidio La Bahia, which protected the Mission Espíritu Santo de Zuniga. The purpose of the mission, along with its military fortress, was to secure the Texas coastline from the French and to Christianize the native Karankawa Indians.