Part Time Gypsy Souls

Finally! 

I’ve been wanting to check this out forever, but never seemed to make time for it.  I’ve driven through the parking lot, but Tom was still healing from his first surgery and was using his scooter, so it just wasn’t possible.  We did visit the site of the Goliad Massacre back then, and I’ve never done a post on it yet, so I’ll add that to my list and link it here.  Presidio la Bahia is located at 

But today, Carrie, Melissa, Laura and I are here, and I’m anxious to check it out.  

According to the Texas Historical Commission’s website, “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.”

This is about everything I know about the Presidio.  I may have learned more in Texas History in high school, but that was many many moons ago.  

When you first walk up, you see the nine flags that have flown over this area of Texas.  It’s an impressive sight, and reminds us that there’s a lot of history standing in front of me.  Near the flags is a plaque that gives the timeline of when each were flown over the area.  

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We laughed when opening the door, because it’s evident that this was a fort. The door is thick and heavy wood, and I struggled opening it.  When you first walk inside, you enter the gift shop.  The admission is a very affordable $5 per person.  We picked up a free Texas Historical Commission’s passport, stamped with this location, to record our future journeys to THC sites.  We proceed throughout the fort.  It seems every surface is full of rich history, along with plaques that describe the artifacts on display, the people and the time period.

We make our way past the kitchen area, and through the door into the yard of the fort.  We explored the grounds, saw an oxen cart, and it’s easy to imagine the re-enactments taking place here.  I haven’t been to one yet, but I will.  Maybe I can convince Tom to come with me for that.  

Next, we step into a room and I remember that The Quarters can be rented out.  At the time of this writing, Sunday through Thursday the rate is $200/night.  Friday and Saturday is $230/night.  To make reservations, you can call 361-645-3752 or reserve online at https://thc.texas.gov/node/369 .  One really neat thing is that when you rent out The Quarters, you have access to the entire grounds for the duration of your stay.  This is still on my list of things to do.  The story goes that you also may hear sounds that go bump in the night, as the location is purportedly haunted.  

We don’t tour The Quarters, as they are kept private for paying guests, but there is a bunkroom that’s open to walk through.  Again, the history can be felt as you walk through the room.  Next, we make our way past the wooden water well and over to the church.  It’s in the opposite corner, but it’s a beautiful day. 

The church is still an active catholic church. The painting in the sanctuary draws the eye immediately, although the nave has high arched ceilings and round windows up high that draw the eye as well. There is a small room with votive candles that can be lit by parishioners, holy water, and back in the nave, there’s a confessional. It’s a beautiful church, and wrapped up our visit of the Presidio la Bahia.

Next stop: Mission de Espiritu at Goliad State Park.