It wasn't just missions that roamed countryside in New Spain. Fortresses like this one were set up to protect the land and the missions. As the population moved, so did some of the garrisons.

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This one is preserved in excellent condition and today is run by the Catholic Church. The fortress contains a number of exhibits and artifacts, but wandering into the yard is the best way to experience it. You can actually walk up the same ramparts as the original settlers of this land -- something not possible at most similar structures in Texas which are in varying states of disrepair. The large gate on the left side of the fortress, outside the chapel, is called the "Water Gate" because it leads down to the San Antonio River. Locals believe there are tunnels leading from the river to the presidio, but no evidence of any tunnels has been found. However, there are historical records from the 19th century indicating that there was once a covered walkway, which may help explain this misunderstanding.
The presidio's history does not begin with the Spanish, however. It begins with the French. The French were the first Europeans to settle this land when an espedition led by Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle completely missed the mouth of the Mississippi River. Instead, he sailed up what is now Garcitas Creek and founded Fort Saint Louis. The Spanish and French were fierce enemies vying for control of the New World and the Spanish feared the French would use this new fort to claim all of Texas. The Spanish attacked and destroyed the settlement and built their own on top of it. This history was only fully pieced together in 1999. An excavation of the site turned up more than 120,000 artifacts by 2001. But the project was abandoned due to lack of funding.

A plaque outside reads:

"One of the most historic Spanish forts in Texas. Popularly called Presidio la Bahia, it was founded in Epiritu Santo (present Lavaca) Bay in 1722. Twice moved, it was re-established here in 1749 to protect Espiritu Santo Mission (¼ mi. nw). In the chapel is the statue of our Lady of Loreto placed here in 1749. The turbulent history of this fort has often rung with the sound of revolution. Between 1812 and 1820 several irregular 'filibustering' forces, including the Gutierrez-Magee Expedition and others led by James Long and Henry Perry, occupied or assailed the fort for various idealistic and profiteering motives. Here, too, 92 Texas citizens and soldiers drew up and signed Texas’ first formal Declaration of Independence on December 20, 1835. In the ensuing War for Texas Independence, Col. James Fannin and 341 prisoners of war were held here and, on Palm Sunday, 1836, were massacred in and around the fort by their Mexican captors. When the fort was authentically restored, 1964-67, by the Kathryn O’Connor Foundation, nine 'levels of occupancy' were uncovered. Church services are now held in the chapel. The presidio has been named a registered National Historic Landmark. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1969."

A plaque inside reads:

"Presidio La Bahia In times past, native Americans sent smoke signals from these heights to tribesmen in the area of the surrounding plains. This was long before friars and soldiers planted the roots of Christianity here in 1749 and before the patriots raised their cry of American independence in 1776. Here, too, fell the martyrs who gained freedom and independence for Texans in 1836. Recognizing all this, we have declared the Presidio La Bahia, with its venerable Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto, a National Catholic Historical Site. Erected in 1999 by the International Order of Alhambra."

• ~1680 - Fort Saint Louis established.
• January, 1688 - Fort Saint Louis overrun by indians.
• April 26, 1690 - General Alonso De Leon burns Fort Saint Louis to the ground.
• 1721 - Presidio La Bahia is established on Garcitas Creek near Lavaca Bay.
• 1749 - The presidio moves to Goliad.