Last year we stayed at Goliad State Park from the 23rd to 27th of December but this year the main campground is full and we are finding ourselves along with others in the overflow camping area. This is the first time this year that it has happened to us so we have been lucky. There are a lot of people on the move with school and university holidays and also Winter Texans heading to the coast.
On the grounds of Goliad State Park is the Mission Espiritu Santo. It was founded by Franciscan Monks to bring Christianity to the natives. They also developed a trade school consisting of looms, forges, clay works and carpentry.
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| the gray areas are some of the original walls |
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| no pews, people knelt or sat on the floor |
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| the font |
The mission was abandoned and fell into ruin. Anyone who wanted stones could go and take them. In 1931 the Civilian Corp of Engineers lent their skills to the restoration of the Chapel, granary, school and surrounding walls. Other foundations are left in situ but not fully restored.
Goliad is on the Texas Independence Trail and this area played a crucial role in Texas gaining its dependence from Mexico.
The Presidio La Bahia or The Bay Fort is an example of a Spanish frontier fort. The first declaration of Texas Independence was declared at the Presidio on December 20, 1835. The Presidio was restored in the 1960's.
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| part of one wall with cannon placements and the chapel in the corner |
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| gates to the fort |
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| inside the entrance of the Presidio |
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| guard tower and lookout |
Our Lady of Loreto Chapel is the oldest building in the compound to see continuous use since the 1700's. The church still has Sunday services.
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| the original chapel bell
The Presidio compound is a self sustaining private institution operated under the administration of the Catholic Diocese of Victoria, Texas.
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