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History Under Nine Flags. PRESIDIO LA BAHIA GOLIAD, TEXAS. Presidio La Bahia. The history of Presidio La Bahia can be explained by the nine flags that have flown over its walls including: The Flag of France The Flag of Spain The Flag of the Republic of the North Dr. James Long’s Flag
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History Under Nine Flags PRESIDIO LA BAHIA GOLIAD, TEXAS
Presidio La Bahia • The history of Presidio La Bahia can be explained by the nine flags that have flown over its walls including: • The Flag of France • The Flag of Spain • The Flag of the Republic of the North • Dr. James Long’s Flag • The Flag of the Republic of Mexico • Phillip Dimmitt’s Bloody Arm Flag • The Flag of the Texas Republic • The United States Flag • The Confederate States Flag
France • The establishment of a French Fort by La Salle on Garcitas Creek causes Spanish authorities to search for the French. • After discovering the remains of the Fort (The French effort had failed) The Spanish establish Presidio La Bahia on the site of the fort • It is Called Presidio La Bahia (Fort of the Bay) because of its original location on Matagorda Bay.
Spain • Spanish authorities moved the Presidio several times before it was established at the current location by colonizer Jose de Escandon. • The Presidio housed soldiers that protected Mission Espiritu Santo. • Spanish Soldiers from the Presidio assisted American troops in their fight for freedom during the American Revolution. • Soldiers and Settlers from Presidio La Bahia were instrumental in the establishment of the cattle industry in Texas
Republic of the North • During the years before Mexico won its independence from Spain, filibusters attempted to invade Texas. • Augustus Magee and Bernardo Gutierrez led an army of adventures, Native-Americans and Tejanos to capture the Presidio. Their force was called the Republican army of the North. • During the occupation of the Presidio the Spanish laid siege to the fort. It was the longest siege in Texas history. • The Republican Army of the North was defeated at the Battle of the Medina.
Dr. James Long • Long and a small group of men captured the Presidio in 1821. • Long was attempting to establish an independent country. • Long was captured by Mexican authorities and was later killed by a guard while trying to escape.
Mexico • Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821 • Anglo-American colonists began to become dissatisfied with Mexican rule in the 1830’s. • The Texas Revolution against Mexico began in 1835. • Presidio La Bahia was captured by the Texans commanded by James Collingsworth.
Phillip Dimmitt • After the capture of the Presidio by Collingsworth and his men, Phillip Dimmitt became the Texan commander. • Dimmitt designed a flag that portrayed a bloody arm with a sword representing the idea that Texans would rather cut off their right arm than live under the dictatorship of Santa Anna. • The first Texas Declaration of Independence for Texas was signed in Our Lady of Loreto Chapel by Dimmitt and his men
Fannin’s Command • James W. Fannin became the commander of the Presidio in early 1836. • Fannin and his command were defeated in battle at Coleto by the forces of Mexican General Jose Urrea. • Fannin and his men were massacred by order of dictator Santa Anna on Palm Sunday 1836.
Republic of Texas • During the time that Texas was a Republic, the remains of Fannin and his men were interred in a mass grave by Texan troops. • The Presidio fell into ruins following the Texas Revolution. Our Lady of Loreto Chapel was used by Irish and Mexican Catholic families in the area.
United States of America • In 1844, the Presidio was acquired by the city of Goliad. • The property was purchased by the Catholic church in 1853.
Confederate States • The Presidio was in ruins during the time that Texas joined the Confederate States. • Many local citizens formed military units that fought in the War Between the States.
Restoration • In 1963, historian and philanthropist Kathryn Stoner O’Conner spearheaded efforts to restore the Presidio. • Architect Rayford Stripling and other national experts were employed to restore the structure. • Presidio La Bahia is a National Historic Landmark.
