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TEXAS HISTORICAL MARKERS

​Angel of Goliad

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Marker Text: Amid the cruelties of the Texas war for independence, one notable woman committed acts of bravery and compassion. Francisca Alavez (also known by similar names) accompanied Mexican Army Captain Telesforo Alavez to Texas in March 1836. In seven incidents between March and April, she intervened with Mexican troops under command of Gen. José de Urrea to help captured Texian prisoners at Agua Dulce, Copano, La Bahia, Victoria and Matamoros.
    On Mar. 20, Maj. William P. Miller and 75 men of his Nashville Battalion were captured as they unloaded their ship at Copano Bay. Alavez insisted that binding cords which cut off circulation be removed and food and water be provided. The men were moved to Presidio La Bahia at Goliad, where hundreds of Col. James Fannin's troops were already held after their capture at Coleto Creek. At least 342 men were taken out of the fort on Mar. 27 and shot under orders of Gen. Santa Anna in what was termed the Goliad Massacre. Alavez helped save the lives of many men, including 16-year-old Benjamin Hughes. Another Survivor, Dr. J.H. Barnard, recalled that she pleaded for their lives, helped sneak out some troops at night and hid some of the men. Her humanitarian acts included tending to wounds and sending messages and provisions to those still imprisoned.
​   The Texas Centennial of 1936 revived interest in Alavez with articles, a play, and a bronze bust and historical mural for Goliad's Memorial Auditorium. Additional commemorations, such as a resolution from the Texas Legislature in 2001, have helped confirm Dr. Barnard's assertion that "her name deserves to be recorded in letters of gold among those angels who have from time to time been commissioned by an overruling and beneficent power to relieve the sorrows and cheer the hearts of men." (2009)
Picture
Marker No: 15677
Aluminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker
Geographic: 28.646589,-97.381203
Location: Approximately 1 ½ miles south of Goliad on US 183
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  • Texas Historical Markers
  • Greenbrier Cemetery
  • Wilson Chapel Methodist Church
  • Marian Anderson High School
  • Alfred M. Hallmark
  • Frank Mulder Gossett
  • No 57: Old San Antonio Road
  • Zephyr Cemetery
  • Zephyr Gospel Tabernacle
  • First Baptist Church of Zephyr
  • Military Road
  • Zephyr Presbyterian Church
  • Burkett Pecan Tree
  • Hittson Ranch
  • Callahan City Cemetery
  • Admiral Baptist Church
  • Belle Plaine Cemetery
  • Ross Cemetery
  • Callahan County
  • The Prew House
  • Brooke Smith
  • Minnie Fisher Cunningham
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • Dodge
  • Site of Andrew Female College
  • Glendale Cemetery
  • Community of Fodice
  • Holy Rosary Catholic Parish
  • Pegleg Crossing on the San Saba
  • B. T. Brown House
  • German Methodist Church/First Fire Station
  • Providence Church and Cemetery
  • Packsaddle Mountain
  • Homesite of W. F. Heller, Pioneer Farmer
  • The Bosque-Larios Expedition
  • No. 60 Old San Antonio Road
  • No. 56 Old San Antonio Road
  • No. 59 Old San Antonio Road
  • Texas Central Railroad
  • Center City Community
  • Orla
  • Fairview Cemetery
  • Leon County Courthouse
  • Anderson County in the Civil War
  • Judge H.T. Brown
  • Washington County, C.S.A.
  • Leander
  • Oveta Culp Hobby and the Women's Army Corps
  • Jacob Haller House
  • James M. Holt
  • Washington-on-the Brazos
  • Donigan House
  • Fort Worth Stock Yards Entrance
  • Smithfield Baptist Church
  • Elite Cafe
  • Joseph Brooks Home
  • New Page