5er Times: Historic Prisidio La Bahia...

Presidio La Bahia ("the fort of the bay") is the only standing mission-presidio complex in the United States. Presidio La Bahia is a fort constructed by the Spanish Army that became the nucleus of the city of Goliad, Texas.

Six flags have flown over Texas; but, nine have flown over Goliad.

First built in 1721 near present day Lavaca Bay, it was erected upon the remains of the ill-fated French Fort St. Louis built by La Salle. Due to the canabolistic Karankawa Indians, this location proved unsuitable and was relocated in 1726 inland near present day Victoria. In 1749, the Presidio was moved again to its present location here at Goliad, TX. The fort is the site where Goliad's history began. Spain built a permanent settlement around La Bahia, (The Bay), and the protection of the fort. This town was the original Goliad. Its name changed in 1829 as an anagram for Hildalgo, in honor of the patriot priest who aided in the Mexican independence from Spain. Goliad became the 2nd largest populated settlement in Spanish Texas.

In 1770, the Presidio had been rebuilt in stone and became the only Spanish fortress for the entire Gulf Coast from the mouth of the Rio Grande to the Mississippi River.

Cattle ranching began here with the soldiers of the Presidio overseeing the vast herds of the nearby missions Rosario & Espiritu Santo.

The Texas Revolution broke out between Mexico and Texas. Nothing short of full independence from Mexico would satisfy those who had suffered under the injustices of a dictatorial government led by the self-styled "Napoleon of the West", General Santa Anna. There was the fall of the Alamo and the Goliad massacre that riled the Texans to redeem Texas and regain their independence from Mexico. Independence from Mexico was declared and the Goliad flag flew symbolizing the Texans willingness to sacrifice to win their freedom.

Adjacent to the fort is Our Lady of Loreto Chapel. This chapel was erected for the sole use of the soldiers and Spanish settlers living in the town of La Bahia. It is the oldest building in the compound in continuous use since the 1700's. Not only is it one of the oldest churches in America, it also is the only building in existence that has its original "groin vaulted ceiling" in place.

This centuries-old chapel was where Fannin's men were held during part of their captivity before being massacred. The First Declaration of Texas Independence was signed inside the chapel. After the Texas Revolution of 1836, other buildings fell into disrepair; but, the chapel remained as a place of worship and continues today. The 1748 dated bell rang for 28 years prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States.

The Presidio was restored in the 1960's to stand as a lasting memorial beside its sister shrines, the Alamo and San Jacinto, through the generosity of Mrs. Kathryn O'Connor. This Presidio is privately operated by the Catholic Diocese of Victoria.

The Quarters at Presidio is like stepping back in the past. Here is the living room of the living quarters once used by the priests. For a ??? fee one can stay the night.

Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza's Birthplace

Here is the simple building that tells the story of a Mexican hero. Born to a military family at Presidio La Bahia in 1829, Zaragoza, 33 years later was a general in the Mexican army and at the center of the struggle with France. On May 5, 1862, outside the Mexican city of Puebla, Zaragoza rallied the rag-tag Mexican army to defeat Napoleon and France at the Battle of Pueblo, May 5, 1862. General Zargoza is regarded as the father of Cinco de Mayo---or the fifth of May. It is celebrated today as a cultural holiday.