On the way back, this was our last stop....the fort called Presdio La Bahia which is operated by the Catholic Diocese of Victoria, Texas. So the mission is run by the state and the fort is run by the church! Strange. But the fort does have a lovely chapel where mass is still held every Sunday. There was a large tour group there and they left while we were still there. Because of that, I think there were reenactors dressed and doing some demonstrations. They pretty much were packing up after the large tour group left. We were there just before closing.
This was the site of the Goliad Massacre where more men were killed than were killed at the Alamo. The deaths were ordered by the Mexican dictator, who really did seem to be a pretty evil guy...Santa Anna. 341 men were killed and their bodies were stripped and burned and left in the fields. This event, along with the Alamo, lead to rededication of people to the Texas Revolution. The monument below is where the men are believed to be buried and is in their honor. They were killed in the presidio. The presidio and the chapel were built in 1749. The chapel is called Our Lady of Loreto Chapel and has been in continuous use since it was built. The fresco behind the altar was done in 1946 by Antonio Garcia and the sculpture in the niche was done by Lincoln Borglum who also did Mt. Rushmore.
The chapel was very peaceful and spiritual and we lit candles for our loved ones who are ill or having difficulties. 
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