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

A hand mirror with a ghostly image of 1830's women alongside musket cartridges flank the program title What About the Women?

What About the Women? Women of the Texas Revolution

Saturday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

On February 15th at 11am and 2pm join us for a presentation focusing on the women of the Texas Revolution, their stories, their roles, and their struggles. 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

Cannons fire at a reenactment of the battle of Coleto Creek in front of Presidio La Bahia.

39th Annual Goliad Massacre and Living History Program

Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

39th Annual Goliad Massacre and Living History Program. Saturday has presentations by historians, a Reenactment of the Battle of Coleto Creek, Camp Demonstrations, Drill and Firing Demonstrations, and an evening Candlelight Tour. Sunday has a Memorial service and a reenactment of the Goliad massacre. Tickets are $5 per person per day, children under age 6 are free. Saturday Night Candlelight Tour Timed Tickets are $5 per person.

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!

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.