Historical Marker

Site of Battle of El Perdido

Historical marker location:
Fannin, Texas
( From Fannin, take FM 2987 north about 1 mile.)
Marker installed: 1967
Marker size: 18" x 28"

During 1810 - 1819 efforts to expel Spain from Texas, a bloody clash occurred here on June 19, 1817, between the forces of Col. Antonio Martinez, last Spanish governor of Texas, and a Mexican Republican Army of invasion that was on its way to attack and capture La Bahia.

Republicans had 42 men under Col. Henry Perry and Maj. James H. Gordon, former U.S. officers, veterans of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. Outnumbered 3-to-1, Perry and Gordon refused offer of safe surrender, saying they would die first. Along with 24 of their men, both were killed.

(1967)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Goliad County, Texas, has a rich and layered history that dates back centuries. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawas, Tonkawas, and Lipan Apaches. Spanish explorers, led by Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, were the first Europeans to visit the area in the 16th century.

In 1829, the Mexican government established Goliad County as a municipality as part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The town of Goliad was established as the county seat, and it quickly became a center for trade and commerce. However, tensions grew between the Mexican government and American settlers in Texas, eventually leading to the Texas Revolution.

One of the most well-known events in Goliad County's history occurred during the Texas Revolution in 1836. After the fall of the Alamo, Colonel James Fannin and his troops were captured by Mexican forces and held in the presidio at Goliad. In a tragic turn of events, Fannin and his men were executed in what became known as the Goliad Massacre, a significant event that further fueled the desire for Texas independence.

After gaining independence, Goliad County continued to grow and develop. The area became an important hub for ranching and agriculture, particularly in the production of cattle, cotton, and peanuts. Today, Goliad County is known for its rich historical heritage and its thriving tourism industry, drawing visitors with its impressive historic sites and events that commemorate the region's past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Goliad County, Texas.

  • 1821 - Mexican Revolutionary General Martín Perfecto de Cos granted land to empresario Martín De León in what is now Goliad County
  • 1829 - The Mexican government granted the De León Colony rights to settle in the area
  • 1836 - Goliad County was officially established as a municipality of the Republic of Texas
  • 1836 - The Goliad Massacre occurred during the Texas Revolution, where prisoners of war from the Battle of Coleto were executed by the Mexican army
  • 1846 - The county was formally organized and named Goliad County after the presidio and the Spanish fort located in the area
  • 1850s - The county experienced economic growth with cattle ranching and agriculture becoming prominent industries
  • 1881 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway built a line through the county, leading to further development
  • 20th century - Goliad County continued to thrive with the discovery of oil and gas reserves in the area
  • 2000 - Goliad County celebrated its 175th anniversary