The Battle of Goliad: An Overlooked Moment in Texas History
Several events and places are so integral to Texas culture and history, that some may argue that if you don’t know them, you aren’t a real Texan. Examples that come to mind are Whataburger ( as silly as that may sound), good BBQ, and the Battle of the Alamo. Regarding the latter, it has almost become a cliche when referencing Texas. When a movie or book wants to portray anyone or anything Texan, plastering this event, and the famous phrase that comes along with it, usually does the job. “Remember the Alamo” is a motto that communicates the pride and courage that is connected to the Texan spirit. Pop culture and an entertaining set of circumstances elevated this tale to an irreversible spot in history; yet, we seldom talk about other events that were as important to the Texas legacy.
One event in particular caught my attention a couple of weeks ago when I was reading a short passage from J.C. Duval named “Escaping Goliad.” Duval details a massacre that happened some 80 miles southeast of San Antonio in Goliad where the Mexican army killed around 450 Texan soldiers who at the time were prisoners of war. Duval was one of the lucky few who escaped by chance. A couple of months later on October 9, 1835, an infamous battle, the sake of this essay, was fought on the same grounds where hundreds of Texan soldiers were massacred. The event is justly called the Battle of Goliad.
It was originally not going to take place as Texas army leaders felt that an offensive would only hinder their advancements in central Texas; however, the victory at Gonzales kindled the motivation to march to Goliad to kidnap Mexican general Martin Perfecto de Cos. Due to the initial hesitance and the lack of initiative, Perfecto escaped to San Antonio. The march continued with the plan to take over this strategic location along to San Antonio River. The battle was short-lived and a quick victory for the Texan army; the fort was understaffed which prevented them from establishing a defensive. Texans took control suffering one injured soldier, Samuel McCulloch Jr., and causing one Mexican death. Unlike the Mexicans who massacred Texan prisoners, Texans spared the lives of the Mexican captives and instructed them not to return to Texas. The history of the Battle of Goliad is manifold.
Gaining Goliad forced the Mexican army to alter their logistical strategy, where they had previously relied on the port of Copano. This was the second skirmish of the Texas Revolution, one that will forever be cemented in the hearts of Texans!
“massacre everyone of you, unless you come out immediately and surrender”
