Goliad, TX - The Texas Historical Commission’s Presidio La Bahía State Historic Site will once again bring the Texas Revolution to life during the 40th Annual Goliad Massacre and Living History Program on March 28 and 29, when reenactors and living history interpreters recreate the dramatic moments of March 1836. 

Throughout the weekend, visitors will step into the world of the Texian and Mexican armies as reenactors portray real soldiers whose lives were shaped by the Texas Revolution. The program recounts the moments surrounding March 27, 1836, when 342 captured Texian soldiers were massacred by order of Mexican Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna at the conclusion of the Battle of Coleto Creek. 

On March 28, guests can experience a full day of demonstrations inside the historic fort walls. The schedule includes Battle Demonstrations at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., cannon demonstrations at 11 a.m., a camp life demonstration at 12 p.m., a drill presentation at 1 p.m. and the Portrayal of Col. James Walker Fannin Jr. at 2 p.m., offering a firstperson account of Fannin’s final hours 

As the sun fades, the fort will open its gates again for a candlelight tour from 6:30 to 9 p.m., featuring dramatic vignettes that illuminate the stories of the Texian prisoners held within the fort. Admission for the Candlelight Tour is separate and $5 per person. Guests should enter through the south gate. 

The program continues on March 29 when the doors open at 9 a.m. A solemn death march reenactment will begin at 9:30 a.m., retracing the prisoners’ final walk from the chapel to the execution grounds. The reenactment of Col. Fannin’s execution follows at 10 a.m., with survivor accounts presented at 10:30 a.m. 

Admission to each day’s reenactment is $5 per person for ages six and up. 

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Presidio or at the gate on the days of the event. 

For more information, go to visitpresidiolabahia.com. You can also call or email the site at (361) 645-3752 or presidiolabahia@thc.texas.gov.