Goliad hopes to grab world heritage site designation
GOLIAD - Attempting to boost tourism, a life source for the town, civic leaders are trying to have the Presidio La Bahia designated a world heritage site.
The designation - which one arm of the United Nations bestows - would mark the region as an "irreplaceable source of life and inspiration," according to the United Nations website. Beyond the honor, residents hope the designation could bring more people through the town of almost 2,000 people.
"Farming, ranching and tourism - that's our industry," said Goliad County Judge P.T. Calhoun. "I'm hoping (the designation) will turn into heads in beds and butts in seats."
U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, whose congressional district stretches from Brownsville to almost San Antonio, gave a short speech Saturday on the steps of the county courthouse announcing his support.
"Over the last three years, I've gotten to learn a lot about the history of Goliad and how important Goliad and the presidio are to the state of Texas," Vela told about three dozen people gathered on the courthouse lawn.
Two weeks after the Alamo fell in 1836, Mexican soldiers killed nearly 400 Texians fighting for independence in the presidio - an episode known as the Goliad Massacre.
With that history, some residents believe they have a good chance of gaining the designation, much like the San Antonio Missions earlier this year.
"When I read and saw on TV San Antonio's designation, I got to thinking, the Alamo's not that impressive when you get down to it," said Charles Clapsaddle, a Goliad native who moved back in 2000.
Larry Zermeno, the former city administrator, said boosting tourism would help Goliad retain its charm while also having a good economy.
"Some people say if you're not growing, you're dying," he said. "We want Goliad to stay the way it is, but we want to prosper. ... This designation would go a long way to help that."