Two hours south of Houston, Texas on Highway 59 is Goliad, Texas. Just south of this town sits the most fought over spot in Texas history—nine different flags have flown over the Presidio La Bahia.
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| The Presidio |
The most atrocious act that
occurred at La Bahia happened during the Texas Revolution in March of 1836.
During the Battle of Coleto, General Santa Anna’s troops were able to retake
the fort from the Texas troops.
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| The nine different flags that flew above the fort. |
Over 300 Texas soldiers
surrendered. Several days after this battle, Santa Anna ordered the massacre of
all these soldiers. They were marched out of the fort in three different groups
and shot at point-blank range.
These men were buried in a mass grave at La Bahia. Today a memorial stands at the site to honor them.
These men were buried in a mass grave at La Bahia. Today a memorial stands at the site to honor them.
This is the reason why a month later, in
April of 1836, Texas soldiers' rallying cry was “ Remember Goliad” * when they defeated
the Mexicans and gained independence for Texas during the Battle of San
Jacinto.
* They also yelled, “Remember the Alamo.”
La Bahia continued to be
occupied by soldiers, and then by priests. Today, the Catholic Diocese of
Victoria owns the “Quarters” at the presidio. It is a National Historic
Landmark.
In the 1960s, La Bahia was
rebuilt. A museum was opened that highlights the fort’s bloody history. The
architecture at the presidio is considered one of the finest examples of the
Spanish Colonial style in America.
Once opened, visitors began
to report strange encounters at La Bahia.
These reports back up the
claims that restless spirits remain in the area.
Common encounters include the
sounds of footsteps heard on the roof, while visitors are in the Quarters and the sound of distance canon fire. There are also many other reports of
strange unexplained sounds around the fort--including footsteps in the wee hours.
Most chilling of all is the
eyewitness reports of seeing spectral soldiers walking around the grounds.
Because of these encounters, various
paranormal groups have investigated La Bahia. Their evidence is presented in several
videos on YouTube.
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| The Quarters |
Today, tourists can stay
overnight in one of the rooms in the Quarters area—the cost is $200.00.
In the spring—the presidio, despite its otherworldly residents, is quite peaceful. Wildflowers bloom on the
gentle slopes that surround it.
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