A Little-Known Slice Of Texas History Can Be Found At This Battleground
By Melissa Mahoney|Published December 28, 2023
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
As the second-largest state in the U.S., there’s so much to discover in Texas. From popular places like San Antonio and Big Bend National Park to countless hidden gems, you certainly won’t get bored exploring! And for you history lovers out there, the state has countless places for you to visit including a battleground. Home of a little-known slice of Texas history, Fannin Battleground State Historic Site is a fascinating spot.
Fannin Battleground State Historic Site preserves and commemorates a battle that occurred on its grounds. The Battle of Coleto Creek was fought on Mar. 19-20, 1836 between Mexican and Texan forces.
This significant Texas War for Independence battle was not going well for Fannin. Fought near Goliad, TX, the Texans were not expecting the incredible number of Mexican troops.
Completely outnumbered and overwhelmed, Fannin surrendered. However, his surrendering led to his and other Texan rebels' deaths as ordered by Gen. Urrea. This battle ended in the Goliad Massacre during which Fannin along with over 300 prisoners of war were executed.
The Goliad Massacre added fuel to the fire, igniting a bigger spark for the Texans to gain their independence from Mexico. After Coleto Creek, the Texan rebels went on to win the Battle of San Jacinto which led to independence from Mexico and the start of the Republic of Texas.
Today, you can walk the battlegrounds and learn more about Col. Fannin and the Battle of Coleta Creek. And you'll be able to see sites like this impressive obelisk that marks the spot where Col. James W. Fannin surrendered to Mexican forces.
Did you know about this slice of Texas history? Have you ever visited Fannin Battleground State Historic Site near Goliad, TX? Let us know. To learn more about Fannin Battleground State Historic Site and to plan your visit, head to the Texas Historical Commission website.
If you’re planning on visiting Victoria to see the Fannin Battleground and need a place to stay, check out the selection of unique vacation rentals on Vrbo.
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