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.
Hours
Open Daily
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Last admission at 4:30 p.m.
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
See the site
Plan Your Visit
Find out all there is to do at the site and other area attractions.
Presidio la Bahia History
Presidio La Bahía, designated a National Historic Landmark, is considered the world's finest example of a Spanish frontier fort.
The Quarters
Stay a night or two in one of the few surviving Spanish Colonial Presidios in North America.
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
Lipantitlan Lectures
Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Join us as we kick off the 190th Anniversary Series of event at Presidio La Bahia SHS. The day will be filled with presentations from scholars and historians on why Fort Lipantitlan was important during the Texas War for Independence as well as the Mexican War.
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
190th Anniversary of the Goliad Declaration of Independence!
Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Living Historians will be recreating the sigining of the first Texas Declaration 190 years to the day on the same spot as the original signers! This event is part of the Presidio La Bahia 190th Series commemorating the 190th Anniversary of the Texas War for Independence. More Info to come!
Support Our Historic Sites
Make a gift to the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting the historic sites of the THC.
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