Two hours south of Houston, Texas on Highway 59 is Goliad, Texas. Just south of this town sits the most fought over spot in Texas history—nine different flags have flown over the Presidio La Bahia.
The presidio’s history is seeped in violence. This it is why so many people believe the area is haunted.
The most atrocious act that occurred at La Bahia happened during the Texas Revolution in March of 1836. During the Battle of Goleto, General Santa Anna’s troops were able to retake the fort from the Texas troops.
342 Texas soldiers surrendered. Several days after this battle Santa Anna ordered the massacre of all these soldiers. They were marched out of the fort in three different groups and shot at point blank range. These men were buried in a mass grave at the presidio. Today a memorial stands at the site to honor them.
This is why a month later in April of 1836, Texas soldiers’ rallying cry was “ Remember Goliad”
when they defeated the Mexicans and gained independence for Texas during the Battle of San Jacento.
They of course also yelled, “Remember the Alamo.”
The presidio continued to be occupied by soldiers and then by priests. Today, the Catholic Diocese of Victoria owns the “Quarters” at the presidio. It is a National Historic Landmark.
In the 1960s La Bahia was rebuilt. A museum was opened that highlights the fort’s bloody history. The architecture at the presidio is considered one of the finest examples of the Spanish Colonial style in America.
Once opened, visitors began to report strange encounters at the presidio.
These reports back up the claims that restless spirits remain in the area.
Common encounters include the sounds of footsteps heard on the roof while visitors are in the Quarters area, and the sound of distance canon fire. There are also countless other reports of strange unexplained sounds around the fort–including footsteps in the wee hours.
Most chilling of all are the eyewitness reports of seeing spectral soldiers walking around the grounds.
Because of these encounters various paranormal groups have investigated La Bahia. Their evidence is presented in several videos on YouTube.
Today, tourists can stay overnight in one of the rooms in the Quarters area—the cost is $200.00.
In the spring—the presidio despite its otherworldly residents is quite peaceful. Wildflowers bloom on the gentle slopes that surround it.
