Goliad State Park & Mission Espíritu Santo State Historic Site, Texas, United States
4.5 (189 reviews) Spent Ranking #2 in Goliad State Parks • Ancient Ruins
A Significant Part of Early Texas History
Located near the San Antonio River, Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga, also known as Aranama Mission or Mission La Bahía, was a Roman Catholic mission established by Spain in 1722 to convert native Karankawa Indians to Christianity. The mission, along with the birthplace of General Ignacio Zaragoza, the Angel of Goliad Statue, and Fannin’s Memorial are part of the Goliad State Park and Historic Site. For a small fee, we were able to visit the mission’s interior, which includes the chapel, work room, museum, and grounds. The staff with whom we came into contact were very friendly and helpful. Persons interested in early Texas history, the life of Indians in Texas, and religious outreach would find visiting this site informative.
Address
108 Park Road 6, Goliad, TX 77963-3206
Mobile
Website
http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goliad
Current local date and time now
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 3:55
User Ratings
4.5 based on (189 reviews)
Reviews
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5CJTravelerTexas 5:00 PM Jun 10, 2022
A Significant Part of Early Texas History
Located near the San Antonio River, Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga, also known as Aranama Mission or Mission La Bahía, was a Roman Catholic mission established by Spain in 1722 to convert native Karankawa Indians to Christianity. The mission, along with the birthplace of General Ignacio Zaragoza, the Angel of Goliad Statue, and Fannin’s Memorial are part of the Goliad State Park and Historic Site. For a small fee, we were able to visit the mission’s interior, which includes the chapel, work room, museum, and grounds. The staff with whom we came into contact were very friendly and helpful. Persons interested in early Texas history, the life of Indians in Texas, and religious outreach would find visiting this site informative.
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5houstonnative47 5:00 PM Mar 26, 2020
Great history here
This mission was established by Franciscan priests in 1722 and was moved three times until finally resting here at Goliad. It housed many native people who were glad to be protected from raids from other groups. The mission became one of the largest cattle ranches in the region with some 40,000 cattle at peak. The mission remained in service until Mexican Independence in 1821. Afterwards the mission fell into ruin. In 1931 it became part of Goliad State Park and in 1933 the CCA began restoration. This is quite a large complex with several buildings including a chapel and museum. For a small fee you can learn more about this part of Texas and Mexican history. It's very interesting. When we visited, there were volunteers and rangers giving us interesting info that you can't read anywhere.
