Saturday, October 26 - Presidio La Bahia, The Fort on the Bay, a National Historic Landmark, is considered the world's finest example of a Spanish frontier fort. This is the most fought over fort in Texas history. This fort was at the center of every attempt to forcibly change the governmental order of Texas.
The history of Presidio La Bahia and Goliad can be traced through the flags of the various nations that have controlled this region of South Texas. Click on the photo to enlarge it and read about all the different nations.
The first Declaration of Texas Independence was formally declared at the Presidio on December 20, 1835. The first Texas flag flew here, and it was the location of the darkest day in Texas history, the Goliad Massacre.
There was a list of all those slain at the Goliad Massacre, and it appears that we both have relatives that died for Texas (Paul's last name is Weaver and Marsha's maiden name is Wadsworth.)
Barracks
Our Lady of Loreto Chapel was erected in the quadrangle of the Presidio for the sole use of the soldiers and Spanish settlers. It is the oldest building in the compound, in continuous use since the 1700's. As a matter of fact, as we we leaving people were arriving for a wedding.
One of the oldest churches in America, it also is one of the only buildings in existence that has its original “groin vaulted ceilings” in place. This centuries-old chapel was where Fannin's men were held during their captivity before being massacred. It was also here that the First Declaration of Texas Independence was signed.
There is so much history in this area. We will tell you more in our next post.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!
Great tour!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful little chapel. But I've never pictured Christ with wings. Very different.
ReplyDeleteAll through history no mater how far back you look we have witnessed how mankind has treated others from different Nationalities but when we see it involved our own ancestors it really hits home. The most recent such senseless incident is remembered throughout the world by three numbers. 9-11.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
I love the photos of the chapel. It looks like a very spiritual place. Jesse with wings seems like a Mexican vision. They tend to be more imaginative than us!
ReplyDeleteVery informative, thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had another great day checking out the sights. It looks like you discovered a very interesting place to visit.
ReplyDeleteWe attended Christmas mass in that church.
ReplyDeleteSo much history in that area.
When we were there, there was still a blacksmith shop in Goliad. I went over and talked to the smith for a while. He was in his 80s and looking to sell the shop. One of my highlights in our travels was getting to chat with him.
So many interesting places to see, keep sharing the sights with us.
ReplyDeletebased on those relatives it looks like she still outranks you...
ReplyDeleteGreat post, as always. We loved Goliad (and that state park), in fact we loved all of Texas. Hugs
ReplyDeleteAnother great history lesson for us - thanks. Your photos of the chapel are terrific - sure don't build them like that anymore.
ReplyDeleteThe artwork in these places are beautiful. The state park goes onto our list of places to stay.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the background history lesson. Amazing how many flags flew over the same area.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful chapel! It certainly would make a wonderful place for a wedding. Glad someone is maintaining the structure.
Thanks for the background history lesson. Amazing how many flags flew over the same area.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful chapel! It certainly would make a wonderful place for a wedding. Glad someone is maintaining the structure.
Thanks for the tour. We loved visiting the missions and some of the old churches during our travels to Texas.
ReplyDeleteWe really have to visit the area, thanks for the tour.
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