The Surrender of Goliad

Students learn about James Fannin’s surrender at Goliad and the events that led to the execution of captured Texan soldiers. First, they examine causes and effects surrounding Fannin’s retreat, surrender, and the Goliad Massacre. Then they compare the events at Goliad with the Battle of the Alamo. Finally, they analyze the different views of General Urrea and President Santa Anna about how the captured Texan soldiers should be treated and explain one of those viewpoints using evidence from the lesson.

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Overview

In this experience, students learn about James Fannin’s surrender at Goliad and the events that led to the execution of captured Texan soldiers. First, they examine causes and effects surrounding Fannin’s retreat, surrender, and the Goliad Massacre. Then they compare the events at Goliad with the Battle of the Alamo. Finally, they analyze the different views of General Urrea and President Santa Anna about how the captured Texan soldiers should be treated and explain one of those viewpoints using evidence from the lesson.

Objective:

Describe the events that led to James Fannin’s surrender at Goliad and its outcome

In October 1835, Texan forces captured Presidio La Bahía at Goliad and gained control of an important military post and supply route. By the spring of 1836, however, Mexican forces were advancing through Texas as part of a larger campaign to defeat the rebellion and restore Mexican control.

In this lesson, you will examine what happened to the Texan forces at Goliad, why they surrendered, and how the events that followed affected the Texas Revolution.

Objective:

Describe the events that led to the surrender at Goliad and its outcome

exterior of an old stone building with crosses on top

Presidio La Bahía Chapel

What can make an event in a war historically significant, even if it is not a major victory?

Students are not required to post in this table in order to continue.

Review the following facts with students after discussing their answers about significance:

During the Mexican era, Presidio La Bahía, located near the Mexican Texas settlement of Goliad, was used as a fort by Mexican soldiers.
Shortly after the Texan victory at the Battle of Gonzales, a Texan militia marched toward La Bahía.
The Texans learned that Mexican General Cos and most of his men had left the fort, leaving only a small number of troops there.
On October 9, 1835, Texas settlers attacked the fort. The attack took the Mexican troops by surprise.
The battle lasted about 30 minutes, and the Mexican troops surrendered.
The victory cut off the Mexican troops’ access to the coast, so that it was difficult for them to get supplies to the large Mexican force in Béxar.

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