Presidio de Nuestra Senor de Loreto de la Bahia

(Fort of Our Lady of Loreto of the Bay) One of the most historic Spanish forts in Texas. Popularly called Presidio la Bahia, it was founded on Espiritu Santo (present Lavaca) Bay in 1722. Twice moved, it was re-established here in 1749 to protect Espiritu Santo Mission (1/4 mi. NW). In the chapel is the statue of Our Lady of Loreto placed here in 1749. The turbulent history of this fort has often rung with the sound of revolution. Between 1812 and 1820 several irregular "filibustering" forces, including the Gutierrez-Magee Expedition and others led by James Long and Henry Perry, occupied or assailed the fort for various idealistic and profiteering motives. Here, too, 92 Texas citizens and soldiers drew up and signed Texas' first formal Declaration of Independence on December 20, 1835. In the ensuing War for Texas Independence, Col. James Fannin and 341 prisoners of war were held and, on Palm Sunday, 1836, were massacred in and around the fort by their Mexican captors. When the fort was authentically restored, 1963-67, by the Kathryn O'Connor Foundation, nine "levels of occupancy" were uncovered. Church services are now held in the chapel. The presidio has been named a registered National Historic Landmark. Recorded Teas Historic Landmark--1969

Presidio de Nuestra Senor de Loreto de la Bahia is a historical marker in Goliad, Goliad County, dedicated in 1969. It is one of 34 historical markers documented in Goliad County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 86 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 28.6514, -97.3799 near Goliad. The nearest cataloged historic site is Zaragoza, General Ignacio (historical marker), about 0.3 miles away. Others within a short drive include Angel of Goliad, Cristo Rey Cemetery, and James W Fannin and Men Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5175004119. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.