Historical Marker

Regulators of Goliad County

Historical marker location:
Goliad, Texas
( Courthouse Square, S. Market Street, Goliad.)
Marker installed: 1977
Marker size: 27" x 42"

When the Civil War ended in April 1865, many Texans returned to find their farms and ranches neglected, their cattle running wild and unbranded. The Federal troops sent to occupy Texas in June 1865 could not control the widespread cattle thieving and general lawlessness of the Reconstruction Period.

Gen. J. J. Reynolds, commander of the Federal forces, appointed Jack Helm special marshal to the Goliad area in June 1868. A former deputy sheriff of DeWitt County, Helm captained a vigilante band of 50 men, mostly local ranchers, known as the Regulators. Based at Middletown (now Weesatche), these volunteers pursued criminals with vigor and often with cruelty. They ordered known and suspected lawbreakers to leave the state within 10 days. Those who defied the warning were shot without benefit of trial. In 1870 Helm was appointed by Gov. E. J. Davis to the newly formed state police force but was soon discharged for his ruthlessness.

The activities of the Regulators and of the Texas Rangers, reorganized under Gov. Richard Coke in 1874, did much to restore order in this area. By 1876, most of the violators had left, and the Regulators were able to devote their time to ranching and farming.

(1977)

(1977)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

outlaws cowboys local law enforcement officer
The Alamo was a pivotal moment in the fight for Texas’ independence from Mexico and was the birthplace of the Texas Rangers.
Preservation Texas in Official Statement on the Alamo
Goliad County, Texas, has a rich and layered history that dates back centuries. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawas, Tonkawas, and Lipan Apaches. Spanish explorers, led by Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, were the first Europeans to visit the area in the 16th century.

In 1829, the Mexican government established Goliad County as a municipality as part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The town of Goliad was established as the county seat, and it quickly became a center for trade and commerce. However, tensions grew between the Mexican government and American settlers in Texas, eventually leading to the Texas Revolution.

One of the most well-known events in Goliad County's history occurred during the Texas Revolution in 1836. After the fall of the Alamo, Colonel James Fannin and his troops were captured by Mexican forces and held in the presidio at Goliad. In a tragic turn of events, Fannin and his men were executed in what became known as the Goliad Massacre, a significant event that further fueled the desire for Texas independence.

After gaining independence, Goliad County continued to grow and develop. The area became an important hub for ranching and agriculture, particularly in the production of cattle, cotton, and peanuts. Today, Goliad County is known for its rich historical heritage and its thriving tourism industry, drawing visitors with its impressive historic sites and events that commemorate the region's past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Goliad County, Texas.

  • 1821 - Mexican Revolutionary General Martín Perfecto de Cos granted land to empresario Martín De León in what is now Goliad County
  • 1829 - The Mexican government granted the De León Colony rights to settle in the area
  • 1836 - Goliad County was officially established as a municipality of the Republic of Texas
  • 1836 - The Goliad Massacre occurred during the Texas Revolution, where prisoners of war from the Battle of Coleto were executed by the Mexican army
  • 1846 - The county was formally organized and named Goliad County after the presidio and the Spanish fort located in the area
  • 1850s - The county experienced economic growth with cattle ranching and agriculture becoming prominent industries
  • 1881 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway built a line through the county, leading to further development
  • 20th century - Goliad County continued to thrive with the discovery of oil and gas reserves in the area
  • 2000 - Goliad County celebrated its 175th anniversary