The Goliad Massacre was the mass murder of between 342 and 350 Texan prisoners of war by the Mexican Army on March 27, 1836, during the Texas Revolution. The massacre occurred at Goliad, Texas, near Coleto Creek.
The Texan prisoners were captured at the Battle of Coleto Creek on March 20, 1836. The Mexican commander, José de Urrea, took the prisoners to Goliad, where they were held in the Presidio La Bahía.
On March 27, 1836, Urrea received orders from Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna to execute all of the Texan prisoners. Urrea complied with the order, and the prisoners were taken out of the Presidio and shot.
The Goliad Massacre was a major turning point in the Texas Revolution. It angered many Texans and led to increased support for the Texan cause. The massacre also helped to unite the Texan forces and contributed to their eventual victory at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.