LOCAL
yon d e r
Remember Goliad! Fannin Battleground State Historic Site
by Mike Carlisle
T
oday, the Texas Historical Commission has 32 State Historic Sites, but few share close proximity with so many other historic sites as the Fannin Battleground near Goliad. The Goliad State Park and Historic Site integrates four deeply intertwined State Historic Sites steeped in historic diversity and cultures. Another historic site, the Presidio La Bahía, is across the San Antonio River from the park. The Fannin Battleground commemorates the Battle of Coleto Creek March 19-20, 1836. Col. James W. Fannin and over 350 Texian volunteers were retreating from the presidio, which they had renamed Fort Defiance, when they were overtaken and attacked by Gen. José Urrea and his men. After surrendering, the Texians were held briefly at the presidio. Gen. Santa Anna ordered Fannin and his men executed on Palm Sunday. The brutal Goliad Massacre ignited the battle cry “Remember Goliad,” later united with “Remember the Alamo” at the Battle of San Jacinto. The Fannin Memorial Monument marks the common burial site of Col. Fannin and his men behind
GOLIAD
INDEPENDENCE TRAIL REGION
18
AUTHENTIC TEXAS
