Presidio La Bahia 25th Annual Living History Program

25th Annual Goliad Massacre Living History Program at Presidio La Bahia

If you're looking for something interesting to do this week end, a trip to Presidio La Bahia at Goliad is a good choice for a family outing. My husband and I visited the fort a few years ago and it is worth another trip. We went on a quiet day, the kind of day when I can walk around and peacefully absorb the history of a place. Still, since the location is somewhat remote the crowds should be manageable enough for an enjoyable day for the reenactment. Goliad is appx. 90 miles southeast of San Antonio; a good day trip. If you miss it this year, keep it in mind for next year.

From the website:

On March 27th and 28th The Crossroads of Texas Living History Association and Presidio La Bahia will stage a reenactment of the occupation of the fort by Col. Fannin and the Goliad Massacre of Col. Fannin and his men at Presidio La Bahia in Goliad. This annual event has been held for the past 25 years and has been of great interest to the public. Last year's admissions exceeded 4,500. Many schools send their students, girl and boy scouts come on field trips and parents bring their children so that all can experience this unique reenactment of Texas history.

During the day Saturday battles will take place around the fort. There will be the sounds of muskets and cannons discharging and the air will be full of black powder smoke. The costumes worn will be those from that period in history. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask the re-enactors about the roles the they are reliving as well as attend lectures in the 231 year old Our Lady of Loreto Chapel.

In the evening candlelight tours will be conducted through the barracks, the Mexican officer's quarters and there will be a hospital scene in the chapel where the Texian prisoners are being held.

Sunday the death march will begin inside the presidio and goes to one of the locations where the massacre actually took place. The program will conclude with a Memorial Service that begins in the chapel followed by a procession to the Fannin Memorial.

Daily admission is $4.00 for ages 12 thru 59, $3.50 for (60 and older and military personnel), and $1.00 for ages (6 thru 11 years old)), with children five and younger admitted free. Group rates are available with advance reservations. The Candlelight Tour on the re-enactment weekend (March 27) is an additional $2.

For more information call 361-645-3752 or visit the website at presidiolabahia.org.