On March 20, 1836, Col James W Fannin fought Spanish forces here at the Battle of Coleto Creek. The men were overwhelmed and surrendered. One week later most were executed at the Presidio La Bahia in nearby Goliad. The site, 9 miles east of Goliad in the community of Fannin, is quite sparse today. Look for the gin screw, a relic of early efforts to commemorate the battle, and the stone obelisk that marks the spot of Fannin's surrender.
Fannin Battleground State Historic Site
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
9.44 MILES
Established by the Spanish in 1749 – to deter the French, then sniffing around the northeastern edges of their empire – Presidio La Bahia played a role…
9.48 MILES
The centerpiece of this park just south of town is the huge and restored Mission Espiritu Santo. Dating from the 18th century, this was an important site…
9.33 MILES
After defeating the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto, General Rusk and the Texas army gathered the remains of Fannin and his men to bury them…
Old Victoria County Courthouse
15.82 MILES
Fronting the picturesque DeLeon Plaza, the majestic granite and limestone Old Victoria County Courthouse dates from 1892 (replacing a more modest 1849…
15.9 MILES
This small Greek Revival temple just outside downtown was constructed as a museum dedicated to Texan artist Royston Nave in 1932. The exhibits, which…
15.7 MILES
The third building used by the local congregation since the colonization of Victoria, the current neo-Gothic structure and the convent building next door…
Nearby attractions
9.33 MILES
After defeating the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto, General Rusk and the Texas army gathered the remains of Fannin and his men to bury them…
9.44 MILES
Established by the Spanish in 1749 – to deter the French, then sniffing around the northeastern edges of their empire – Presidio La Bahia played a role…
9.48 MILES
The centerpiece of this park just south of town is the huge and restored Mission Espiritu Santo. Dating from the 18th century, this was an important site…
15.7 MILES
The third building used by the local congregation since the colonization of Victoria, the current neo-Gothic structure and the convent building next door…
5. Old Victoria County Courthouse
15.82 MILES
Fronting the picturesque DeLeon Plaza, the majestic granite and limestone Old Victoria County Courthouse dates from 1892 (replacing a more modest 1849…
15.9 MILES
This small Greek Revival temple just outside downtown was constructed as a museum dedicated to Texan artist Royston Nave in 1932. The exhibits, which…