The Presidio, established in 1749 on this site during the Spanish colonial period, was crucial to the development of Texas. Witnessing filibustering expeditions and playing a role in the Mexican war for independence from Spain, the Presidio was the site of the Goliad Massacre on Palm Sunday, March 1836. It played host to one of the bloodiest chapters in Texas' quest for independence from Mexico after the shocking Texian defeat at the Battle of Coleto Creek. The massacre prompted the rallying cry, "Remember Goliad" heard at the Battle of San Jacinto.

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Location

217 Loop 71
Goliad, TX 77963
361-645-3752
Contact us
See map

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Hours

Open Daily
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Last admission at 4:30 p.m.

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Tickets

Adult $5
Senior/Veteran/Teacher/First Responder $3
Child (6-17) $2
Child (5 and under) Free
Family (2 adults & 1 child) $8, each additional child $1

Inside the chapel at Presidio la Bahia

Plan Your Visit

Find out all there is to do at the site and other area attractions.

Canon outside Presidio la Bahia

Presidio la Bahia History

Presidio La Bahía, designated a National Historic Landmark, is considered the world's finest example of a Spanish frontier fort.

Inside the bishop's quarters at Presidio la Bahia

The Quarters

Stay a night or two in one of the few surviving Spanish Colonial Presidios in North America.

Reenactors at Presidio la Bahia

School Tours

During the months of March, April and May, Presidio La Bahia offers free admission to 4th and 7th grade social studies students and their teachers.

Events at Presidio la Bahía

Military History of Presidio La Bahia 1749-1861. Flags of nine different countries or causes fly in front of presidio la bahia state historic site.

Military History Timeline of Presidio La Bahia: 1749-1861.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Presidio La Bahia is one of the most fought over forts in the world, and we pride ourselves on being able to identify nine different flags that have flown over our walls in just over 100 years. Join living historians representing these nine countries and causes for demonstrations and displays throughout the plaza.

Two Texas living historians pose beside a reproduction cannon at Presidio La Bahia

Meet a Texas Revolution Reenactor!

Saturday 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Meet a Texas Revolution reenactor and enjoy the tales of a reenacting legend!

Two squads of 1836 soldiers demonstrate the manual of arms used by the Texian and Mexican Troops during the Texas Revolution.

1836 Camp of Instruction!

Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Join us for our annual Camps of Instruction on the plaza of Presidio La Bahia! This year we are doing something a little different and host two different groups at the same time! We will have a company of living historians representing the Texian Army and a group of living historians representing the Mexican Army. Throughout the day each will demonstrate drill and camp life in their own unique (and similar) ways.