Old Market House Museum
S. Market and Franklin Sts., Goliad, TXThe old Market House Museum is an important structure and site which reflects the civic spirit and the development of Goliad, an outstanding historic town established in 1829.
The lot on which the building stands was dedicated for public use by an ordinance of the city of Goliad on August 30, 1853. About 1871, a covered market with stalls measuring twelve by twenty-four feet, was put up at a cost of $550. Spaces were rented by the city of meat and produce vendors.
In 1886, the structure was remodeled to become the city firehouse. Its facilities included a meeting hall and a room for hook and ladder equipment. Changes also included the installation of "a good tin roof." The bell has been in use since May 20, 1890, when it was valued at $45 and was ordered to strike the hours of the night and sound the alarm in case of fire.
The simple vernacular frame structure has long been a focal point of civic pride. In 1967, the Goliad County Historical Survey Committee and the Goliad Art Guild adapted the building for use as a local history museum with the rear room used for art classes.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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.
Goliad County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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