Texas Cities

Region: South Texas Plains

One of Texas' oldest municipalities; area inhabited long before recorded history. Early Spanish explorers list an Aranama Indian village at site, then called Santa Dorotea. In 1749, Spain established a mission and a nearby presidio (fort) for protection. "Remember Goliad" became a Texas Revolution battle cry honoring Col. James W. Fannin Jr. and his men who were massacred at Goliad. Memorial services at grave of Colonel Fannin and his troops on weekend near March 27. City celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1999.

Goliad was named a Main Street City in 1984 and has been a National Main Street City since 1999. The third-oldest municipality in the state, the Courthouse Square Historic District was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Goliad County Courthouse was recently restored to original 1894 appearance. Visitors are encouraged to take the downtown walking tour.

Chamber of Commerce sponsors Market Days, held every second Sat. from Mar.–Dec., which features more than 170 vendors.