After “Remember the Alamo,” the Texas Revolution’s most potent battle cry was “Remember Goliad.” A charming community on the San Antonio River now sits where, in 1836, Mexican forces executed Col. James Fannin and his men. Some were killed along roads near Goliad’s historic Presidio La Bahía. Others, including Fannin, were executed inside the fort, which had been constructed in 1749 to protect the nearby Mission Espíritu Santo. Fannin and his troops are buried beneath the Fannin Memorial Monument, located next to the fort.

Between the Presidio and the Fannin Monument is the statue of the "Angel of Goliad." During the Texas Revolution, a mysterious Mexican woman began appearing in prisons, offering aid – and even freedom – to suffering Texian soldiers. Her name was Francisca Alvarez (also recorded as Francita Alavez and others) – but she would be remembered best as the “Angel of Goliad”. In March 2004, the descendants of Mrs. Alvarez gathered to dedicate this statue in honor of her remarkable courage and compassion, and to memorialize her unique place in Texas history.

Watch our Bullets and Blood: Texas at War video to learn more about the history of Texas Independence. This video was produced for inclusion in our Texas: Forged of Revolution mobile tour found in our Texas Time Travel Tours mobile app. Download the app for more videos and travel information: