Passport to Texas

This is Passport to Texas

About halfway between Victoria and Beeville on HWY 59 South you’ll find Goliad State Park and Historic Site.

Well, we have—we feel—one of the hidden treasures in the state park system: the historic Mission Espiritu Santo, which is a Spanish mission that was established in 1749. So, it’s one of the oldest sites in Texas.

Jared Ramirez is a park ranger at the site. The moment you walk onto the grounds and see the buildings, you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

They are representative of the Franciscan missionary style, dating back to the 18th century. They are very similar to the missions in San Antonio; situated in a really beautiful site right next to the San Antonio River.

Ramirez says many visitors to Goliad State Park and Historic Site never knew it existed until they passed it headed to the coast.

A lot of people pass us up on their way to the coast; a lot of fishermen on their way to Rockport. Many visitors stop and ask, ‘What’s that building?’ And they come in, pay their three dollars, and are really surprised at what we have to offer. It really does stand out.

Goliad State Park and Historic Site offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. And we’ll talk about those on tomorrow’s show.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.