Most, if not all Texas children know of the 13 days of glory during the siege of the Alamo. The Alamo and the siege is probably the best known historical spot in all of Texas. And it deserves recognition to be sure. However another site is far less mentioned, yet more significant in ways.
During the siege, Colonel Fannin and his men were in Presidio la Behia near Goliad. An attempt to send help to the Alamo failed. Word that the Mexicans under General Urrea were approaching Goliad, Fannin was ordered to retreat. He did not get far before being surrounded near Coleto. After fighting for a time and facing cannon fire, they surrendered understanding they would be prisioners of war.
When Santa Anna learned of their capture he ordered that they be executed. They were taken out, shot, wounded shot again, and then burned. the corpses and remains were left on the ground. There they lay until Texicans returned to the area and buried them. 342 men were executed,compared to 163 killed in the Alamo. A far greater number. The rally cries at the battle of San Jacinto were, "remember the Alamo" and "remember Goliad". Would seem that we have forgotten the brave men of Goliad.
I leave you with images of Presidio la Behia and mission Nuestra Senora del Espiritu Santo de Zuniga. Well worth your time to visit and pay homage.
Monument to those massacred at Goliad. Located at burial site
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