Presidio Nuestra Sen~ora de Loreto de la Bahia, to give it the full name with attendant honors, founded 1722 on what's now Lavaca Bay, moved twice, ended here in 1749. Intended to protect Mission Espiritu Santo just up the road and across the river. The Loreto Chapel (bell tower and arch at right) have held services since... and if you happen to be camped in the woods at Goliad state park, you can hear the carillon at Compline. It's a spooky and somewhat otherworldly experience. The Presidio and Chapel were also part of one of the major (and most shameful) events of the Texas revolution, the Goliad Massacre. On Palm Sunday of 1836, about 342 Texian prisoners of war held in the Presidio were marched out and shot by their guards. A handful escaped, but most were killed, causing considerable outrage among Texians. The killing was arguably legal under Mexican law, but considering that "Remember Goliad!" became a Texian battle cry at San Jacinto, it probably wasn't a very good idea. The Presidio was expertly restored in the 1960s and hosts various living history events during the year including a recreation of the Battle of Coleto Creek, which led to the massacre, and the massacre itself, usually in late March or early April. The Presidio is part of the Diocese of San Antonio; there is a small and reasonably well-done museum, as well as the beautiful Mission Chapel and exhibits in it. A small admission fee is charged. #history #texas #livinghistory #fortress #revolution #mexico #chapel #art #mission