The reason behind our day trip to Victoria and areas nearby was to find and walk the battleground which was a pivotal part of the Texas Revolution. I have read and am reading novels on the subject, and I told Bud one day we should go up north and see the area first hand. Of course the landscaping has changed considerably from the early 1800s, but all in all, a person can still get a live picture conjured up after seeing the area in real time. Two particular areas I've recently read about are many mentions of James Walker Fannin's surrender near Coleto Creek. and the massacre of his 300 plus troops near Goliad, Texas.1 I wanted to see for myself. This area we visited on March 2nd [Texas Independence Day], was a near-ghost-town of Fannin, Texas. Coleto Creek area also has some history connected. Fannin Texas, at the time open prairie, was on the Coleto Creek [today it's been dammed and there is now a Coleto Creek Reservoir and Campground]. A battle took place here on March 19th and March 20th, instigating a surrender of Colonel Fannin and his men. They were marched to Goliad Texas by Santa Ana's army and executed. After walking the battleground in 2017 it was an 'awakening' experience. Some exhibits and a monument stand in memory of surrender and of the massacre...
Battleground Entrance
Exhibit A
Pictograph [Colonel Fannin, injured in Blue]
Mexican Soldier & Monument
One of a Few Copper exhibits showing battle weapons, etc.
The Battleground seen from Exhibit House
An Historical Synopsis in Exhibit House
One of the Few who survived the Goliad Massacre
Texians Armed at Coleto Creek Battle
["Texians" is not a typo...-...definition HERE]
Etched at the San Jacinto Monument in Houston
The Texas Flag of Today!
1 [besides the Alamo in San Antonio, Washington on the Brazos [part I, II and III] where the declaration of Independence was drafted, signed, and ratified, to the last, winning battle for Texas's Independence - San Jacinto Battle near Houston which we visited years ago before becoming Texas citizens ourselves]
DAY TRIP - part one
DAY TRIP - part two
I didn't know any of this! These memorials are a fitting tribute, and beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ginny. Hope you enjoyed reading about it.
DeleteHow interesting! I am lifelong Texan and I've never been to any of the historic battlegrounds. Shame on me.
ReplyDeletewell, yes...shame on you. But, there is a plus side to you not going...you LIVED in Texas so the history is probably well known for you, where I have to learn it, new, as I grow older. lol
DeleteVery interesting history lesson. I wouldn't mind visiting this place. Way back when I was about 7 my family was on a trip to Mexico and we stopped in Texas to visit the Alamo. I don't remember going to any other historical sites though
ReplyDeleteFor me, the Alamo was a disappointment in so many ways...first off and foremost, it was "TOO" commercial.
DeleteThanks Ann
I have visited many historical sights in GA and in FL and a few in KY but none in Texas, since I love all things Western, this is a place I would like to visit. did you notice in the photo of the trees looking out over all that green beauty, the trees appear to be holding hands.
ReplyDeleteNo, I didn't. Not 'til you pointed it out! What a great eye you have for detail.
DeleteSo so important to see and understand this history; not only important to Texas but to the US. Great post!
ReplyDeleteBesides, it helps in doing further reading, be they novels or OTHER non-fiction. Thanks Marie.
DeleteHistory is sometimes boring and sometimes exciting. This was very educational and I loved reading all of it.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much Texas history, different countries that it was before being part of the US...it continues to fascinate me. Glad you enjoyed this little bit on my 'home' state.
DeleteYou have so any interesting things to see near you. I enjoyed this!
ReplyDeleteThanks...I'm happy to know you enjoyed it Mari.
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