Alert

Due to plumbing renovations, the Quarters at Presidio la Bahía will be unavailable for rental until further notice.

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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

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.

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 Bahía 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 Bahía offers free admission to 4th and 7th grade social studies students and their teachers.

About a dozen men dressed as historical reenactors standing in front of a stone wall

Reenactor Participant Signup

Learn how to participate in the 40th Annual Goliad Massacre & Living History Program.

Events at Presidio La Bahía

Transfer of Ownership Ceremony

Wednesday 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

The Texas Historical Commission will host a ceremony to mark the transfer of ownership of the Presidio la Bahía site from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria to the THC.

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.

Texas Revolution Reenactor Jerry McMahon visits Presidio La Bahia and sets up in our Museum regularly to share his wealth of historical research. Free with paid admission to the museum. Admission is: Adult $5, Senior/Veteran/Teacher/First Responder $3, Children (6-17) $2, Child (5 and under) Free, Family (2 Adults & 1 Child) $8, each additional Children $1

Event advertisement for a presentation on the Land Claims of the Goliad Massacre vicitims on February 21 2026 at Presidio La Bahia State historic site.

The Texas Court of Claims 1857-1861, Legal Claims from the Goliad Massacre

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

Please join us at 11am or 3pm in Our Lady of Loreto Chapel for this presentation by Kevin Klaus of the Texas General Land Office.

Presidio La Bahía in the Blog

Top 4 Historic Sites to Relive the Texas Revolution

The Texas Revolution isn’t just a chapter in the history books—it remains a living legacy preserved through the Texas Historical Commission's evocative state historic sites.