Region: South Texas Plains
The third-oldest municipality in the state; the area was inhabited long
before recorded history. Early Spanish explorers list an Aranama village at the
site, then called Santa Dorotea. In 1749, Spain established a mission and a
nearby presidio (fort). "Remember Goliad" became a Texas Revolution battle cry
honoring Col. James W. Fannin Jr. and his men who were massacred here. Memorial
services are held at the grave of Colonel Fannin and his troops on the weekend
nearest March 27. The 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 Courthouse Square Historic District was entered on
the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Goliad County Courthouse was
recently restored to its original 1894 appearance. Visitors are encouraged to
take the downtown walking tour.
The Chamber of Commerce sponsors Market Days, held every second Sat. from
March–Dec.