Hear Ye!                                  Hear Ye!
All Citizens of Texas!     All citizens of other close-by countries!

The
19th Annual Reenactment of the
The Last days of Col. Fannin's Command
And
"Their Date With Destiny"

“The Goliad Massacre”
" The Premier Texas Revolution Living History Program"

Will be Presented On
March 27 & 28, 2004

By
El Presidio La Bahia
And
The Crossroads of Texas Living History Association

++++++++++

"One can not help but feel the presence of those who were there in 1836."
Henry’s Journal, March 27, 2001 -Henry Wolff, Jr., columnist - The Victoria Advocate

Goliad, Texas--Welcome to the 19th Reenactment of the last days of Fannin's Command. While we, the reenactors, portray the life and times of the 19th century as accurately as possible, we are restrained by today's environs. We present a 2-week period compressed into a 2-day program. The battle scenes are not meant to be actual recreations but to give an insight into military methods and tactics of the day. The Fort's camp life is meant to do the same. 1st & 3rd Person impressionss are used. A person doing a 1st Person impression knows only of the events that have transpired prior to the day you are speaking (March 27, 1836). In 3rd person, a first person impression is done, but when necessary he will come out of 1st person to give a better explanation to you, the 21st century General Public. You may wonder about the number of women and children present. There were refugees passing through here on their flight from the Mexican Army. To many of the reenactors, this is a family activity and the whole family is included whenever and wherever possible.
There is a small admission fee. This goes for the operation of the Fort during the year.

 Saturday:
                        Children: ages, 5 to 11---$1.00 +$1.00 for Candle light Tour
                       Adults: $3.00 + $2.00 for Candle Light Tour
                       Candle light Tour tickets Not available without general admission ticket

Sunday;
Children: ages, 5 to 11---$1.00,  Adults: $3.00

Saturday 27.  2004

Fort Defiance, Goliad, Texas - Opens at 9:00 a.m. - 3 skirmishes; lectures on area history; living history and camp life of both Texican and Mexican abound inside Fort Defiance.   There is enough going on to keep you busy until closing at 5:00 p.m.

The famous Candle Light Tour -7:00 p.m. till about 10:30 p.m. is the time to experience an emotion filled tour of  the Presidio under Mexican control.    In the main barracks, you'll see an exchange between Mexican officers and  Texan doctors treating the Mexican Wounded.  The Texas prisoners are in under guard in the Northeast corner of the compound.  In the Officer's quarters you'll witness a very heated discussion between the Mexican officers when they received the order to put all the Texans to death.    Following that you enter the chapel full of Texas wounded.  In a side alcove you will witness Col. Fannin's wounded leg being attended to by Dr. Bernand.   If there is any sign of life in your body you will be moved by this tour.

Sunday 28. 2004

El Presidio La Bahia, Goliad, Texas - Opens at 9:00 a.m.   This is the beginning of a sobering program that occurred here on Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836.   The program begins with excitement in the air amongst the prisoners.   Many believe they are headed for Copano where they will board a ship for home.   Others are told, they will be gathering firewood.  The Isaac Hamilton saga - the prisoner- a stirring account of one man's ordeal.   Travel to one of three actual massacre sites for the re-enactment of the massacre.   Back at the compound, The Isaac Hamilton saga - the survivor- continues; then the massacre of Col. James Fannin and the Texas wounded.  After a short program in the Chapel (still in use today by the Catholic Church) everyone gathers behind the country and state flags of the Fannin command for a short walk to the Fannin Monument.   This is the final resting-place for the remains of the fallen heroes of Goliad.   After a short ceremony, you'll be on you way home before 2p.m.   Go home safely, we want to see you next year

You can contact the Presidio for further details.
Presidio La Bahia, PO Box 57, GOLIAD, TX    77963   361-645- 3752

Read more of Henry’s Journal -Henry Wolff, Jr., columnist - The Victoria Advocate on line
Texascrossroads.com; Advocate News; Columnists; Henry's Journal