Goliad massacre

28°38′51″N 97°22′59″W / 28.6476°N 97.3830°W / 28.6476; -97.3830

Goliad massacre
Part of the Texas Revolution
Goliad Executions by Norman Mills Price
Goliad massacre (Texas)
Location	Goliad, Mexican Texas
Coordinates	28°38′51″N 97°22′59″W / 28.6476°N 97.3830°W / 28.6476; -97.3830
Date	March 27, 1836
Attack type	Fusillading, assault and stabbing
Deaths	425–445 Texian Army prisoners
Perpetrators	Mexican Army

The Goliad massacre was an event of the Texas Revolution that occurred on March 27, 1836, following the Battle of Refugio and the Battle of Coleto; 425–445 prisoners of war from the Texian Army of the Republic of Texas were executed by the Mexican Army in the town of Goliad, Texas. The men surrendered under the belief they would be set free within a few weeks; however, this was not to be. Despite appeals for clemency by General José de Urrea, the massacre was carried out by Lt. Colonel José Nicolás de la Portilla, under orders from General and President of Mexico, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.

The entire Texian force was killed, except for 28 men who feigned death and escaped. Among these was Herman Ehrenberg, who later wrote an account of the massacre; William Lockhart Hunter survived despite being bayoneted and clubbed with a musket. Because of the intervention of Francita Alavez (known as the "Angel of Goliad"), 20 more men were spared to act as doctors, interpreters, or workers. Also spared were the 75 soldiers of the Miller and Nashville Battalion, who were given white arm bands. Among those killed were commanders Colonel James Fannin (of the Coleto battle) and Lieutenant Colonel William Ward (of the Refugio battle).