This is a small apartment within one of the few surviving Spanish Colonial Presidios in North America. The Quarters, as they’re called, were most recently used as the residence for diocesan priests, and in a previous era were part of the quarters housing the Presidio’s officers. The Quarters are spacious and comfortable, with two bedrooms (a master, plus a second bedroom with twin beds), a living and dining area with fireplace, a kitchen, bathroom with shower, and central heat and air conditioning.
History
The Goliad site of Presidio La Bahía dates back to 1749, when it was first built as a Spanish mission and fortress. Later it became one of the two major garrisons in Mexican Texas, together with the Alamo. During the Texas Revolution, it was the site of the Goliad Massacre: Colonel James Fannin and his retreating Texian troops (numbering 300+ men) were intercepted by the Mexican army, escorted back to the Presidio, and later massacred. Today, Presidio La Bahía is operated by the Catholic Diocese of Victoria, Texas, and Our Lady of Loreto Chapel, located on site, continues to offer Mass every Sunday evening to the community.
Know
When you rent the Quarters for the evening, you get after-hours access to the entirety of the Presidio’s inner courtyard, via the backdoor. It’s an uncommon opportunity to have this kind of access to an historic Spanish Colonial Presidio, so be sure to enjoy it! We recommend you bring folding chairs and sit in the courtyard at sunset contemplating the centuries-long history that surrounds you. We recommend a similar sojourn in the morning, coffee in hand to greet the Texas sun rising above the fortress walls.
Notably Cozy
The Master Bedroom. The entirety of the Quarters is cozy, of course, but it’s within the bedroom that you’ll most feel the safety of the thick stone walls, the reality that you’re within the boundaries of an actual fort. You’ll find extra blankets in the armoire, and a prayer candle on the window sill. If you’re feeling solemn, extinguish the electric lamps, fire up the candle, wrap up in a blanket, and look for ghosts among the flickering shadows.
Special Comments
Public visitors to Presidio La Bahía may not see (or, may ignore) the small sign on the front door to your quarters that says, “Private.” Don’t be alarmed if you hear the front door being jiggled a little during daylight hours; it’s probably just curious tourists. And if not, it’s probably just mischievous spirits.
Rental Requests
Rates
- Sunday thru Thursday - $200 per night (tax not included)
- Friday thru Saturday - $230 per night (tax not included)
To make a reservation, please call 361-645-3752 or reserve online.